Black-crescent Proteoteras Moth
Common NameBlack-crescent Proteoteras Moth
Scientific NameProteoteras crescentana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with maple trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Manitoba and Texas
Host PlantsAcer saccharum, Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the terminal shoots of maple trees, causing galls or distorted growth. Pupation likely occurs within the host plant or in the soil, with one generation per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, cryptic grey-brown and white mottling, a characteristic dark crescent mark on the forewing costa, and the presence of raised scale tufts on the forewings.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey, brown, and white forewings, often featuring a distinct dark, crescent-shaped mark near the costa and raised scale tufts.
