American Chestnut Moth
Common NameAmerican Chestnut Moth
Scientific NameEctoedemia castaneae
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Primary Colorscream, black, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests where American Chestnut trees are present
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsCastanea dentata
Flight PeriodMay to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are obligate leaf miners, creating characteristic blotch mines on the leaves of American Chestnut. Pupation likely occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its extremely small size, mottled forewing pattern, dark head, and its obligate association with American Chestnut leaves, where its larval mines can be found.
Description
A minute moth, typically 3-5 mm in wingspan, with pale yellowish-tan or cream forewings heavily mottled and speckled with dark brown scales, and a contrasting dark brown or black head.
