Basswood Leafroller Moth
Common NameBasswood Leafroller Moth
Scientific NamePantographa limata
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorspale yellow, dark brown, iridescent
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsTilia americana, Acer, Betula, Quercus, Ulmus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leafrollers, feeding on the leaves of basswood and other deciduous trees, creating a rolled shelter. Pupation occurs within the rolled leaf or in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive reticulated pattern on the pale forewings, combined with the darker subterminal band and iridescent patches. Its association with basswood trees is also a key indicator.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale yellow to cream forewings intricately patterned with dark brown, reticulated lines and a broad, darker brown subterminal band, often with iridescent purplish-silver patches. The hindwings are a uniform light brown.
