Christmas Berry Webworm
Common NameChristmas Berry Webworm
Scientific NameCrocidosema plebejana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-brown, white
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, disturbed areas, coastal scrub
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (worldwide distribution, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand)
Host PlantsHeteromeles arbutifolia, cotton, various legumes, malvaceae, solanaceae, geraniums
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer climates, multiple generations
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are webworms, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits of a wide variety of host plants, often creating silken webs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the characteristic mottled brown and grey forewing pattern with subtle reddish or brownish tints, and its typical resting posture with wings held flat over the body.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled forewings in shades of brown, grey, and reddish-brown, often appearing somewhat flattened when at rest.
