Banded Olethreutes Moth
Common NameBanded Olethreutes Moth
Scientific NameOlethreutes fasciatana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, black, metallic blue
HabitatWoodlands, forests, shrubby areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple, willow, blueberry, cherry, poplar
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-rollers, feeding within rolled leaves of various woody host plants. Pupation occurs within the rolled leaf or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad, wavy white median band contrasting sharply with the dark brown to black forewings. Metallic blue or silver markings in the dark areas are also characteristic.
Description
A small moth with dark brown to black forewings featuring a prominent, broad, wavy white or cream-colored median band. Metallic blue or silver scales are often present in the dark areas, particularly near the tornus.
