Black-headed Birch Leaffolder Moth
Common NameBlack-headed Birch Leaffolder Moth
Scientific NameAcleris nigrolinea
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)16
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale grey, dark grey, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with birch trees
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsbirch (Betula spp.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
Flight PeriodAugust to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaffolders, feeding and pupating within the folded leaves of birch trees. Adults emerge in late summer and fall.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, mottled grey-brown forewings with a somewhat squared-off appearance when at rest, and its strong association with birch trees.
Description
This small moth has cryptically patterned forewings, a mix of pale grey and darker grey-brown mottling, allowing it to blend seamlessly with bark or other textured surfaces.
