Ash Leaf Cone Roller
Common NameAsh Leaf Cone Roller
Scientific NameCaloptilia fraxinella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, urban areas with ash trees
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host PlantsFraxinus pennsylvanica, Fraxinus americana, Fraxinus spp.
Flight PeriodApril to May, July to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners in ash leaves, creating blotch mines, and later roll the leaf margins into a cone-like structure to feed and pupate within.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive resting posture with the head raised and body angled. Its cryptic coloration helps it blend in with bark. Association with ash trees and the characteristic leaf damage (rolled leaves) are strong indicators.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled brown, gray, and white wings, often resting with its head raised and body angled upwards, resembling a broken twig.
