Bayberry Leaftier Moth
Common NameBayberry Leaftier Moth
Scientific NameAcleris caryosphena
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, grey
HabitatWoodlands, coastal areas, shrublands, and disturbed areas where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsMyrica pensylvanica
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaftiers, feeding within rolled or tied leaves of their host plants, primarily bayberry.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, mottled brown and cream forewings, and distinctive prominent labial palps. Its association with bayberry host plants is also a strong indicator.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown, cream, and grey forewings, often appearing somewhat flattened at rest. It possesses prominent labial palps that give its head a distinctive snout-like appearance.
