Beggartick Leaffolder Moth
Common NameBeggartick Leaffolder Moth
Scientific NameAethes bidens
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyCochylinae
Wingspan (mm)11
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, brown, dark brown
HabitatFields, disturbed areas, gardens, wetlands edges where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Ontario south to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host PlantsBidens species (beggarticks)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaffolders, feeding within folded or tied leaves of their host plants, primarily Beggarticks (Bidens species).
Identification TipsLook for the small size, the distinct dark head and thorax, and the characteristic reddish-brown angled markings on the otherwise pale forewings. Often found in association with Beggartick plants.
Description
A small moth with a dark brown to black head and thorax, contrasting with light tan to pale brown forewings. The forewings feature two prominent reddish-brown, angled or V-shaped markings.
