Asaphocrita aphidiella
Common NameAsaphocrita aphidiella
Scientific NameAsaphocrita aphidiella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)11
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, white, grey
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern United States and Canada)
Host PlantsPoa pratensis, other grasses
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, feeding internally on the stems of various grasses, particularly bluegrasses. Pupation likely occurs within the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, the intricate and somewhat zig-zagging dark and light pattern on the forewings, and its typical Gelechiidae resting posture with wings folded flat over the body.
Description
A small moth with mottled forewings featuring a complex pattern of dark brown or blackish-grey and white or pale grey scales, often forming irregular bands or zig-zag markings. The hindwings are uniformly grey.
