Black-spotted Twirler
Common NameBlack-spotted Twirler
Scientific NameGnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorstan, black
HabitatMeadows, fields, open woodlands, roadsides (where goldenrod grows)
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host PlantsGoldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gall-formers, developing inside characteristic spindle-shaped galls on the stems of goldenrod plants. Pupation occurs within the gall, with adults emerging in late summer or fall.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the small size, the light brown forewings with a distinctive pattern of black spots, and its strong association with goldenrod galls.
Description
A small, slender moth with light tan to grayish-brown forewings, prominently marked with several distinct black spots, typically two larger ones centrally.
