Melitara subumbrella is a species of snout moth in the genus Melitara. It was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1925.[1] It is widespread in western North America, from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan to southern Arizona, central Texas,[2] southern New Mexico and south-eastern California.
The wingspan is 35–52 mm. Adults are on wing from March to May. A second generation may occur on some locations, with adults on wing from October to November.
The larvae feed on Opuntia basilaris, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia macrorhiza var. macrorhiza, Opuntia atrispina, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia polyacantha and Opuntia violaceae var. macrocentra.[3] Mature larvae are white with light purple cross-bands.