Black-smudged Chionodes Moth
Common NameBlack-smudged Chionodes Moth
Scientific NameChionodes psiloptera
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)12.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, dark brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, shrublands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically leaf-tiers or leaf-miners on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, pupating in a cocoon among leaf litter or within the tied leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size and the distinctive cryptic forewing pattern with prominent dark smudges, especially a larger one near the costa and a smaller one towards the tornus, on a lighter, mottled background.
Description
A small moth with mottled forewings displaying a cryptic pattern of light tan, dark brown, and black smudges, providing effective camouflage against bark or detritus.
