Dogwood Caloptilia Moth
Common NameDogwood Caloptilia Moth
Scientific NameCaloptilia coruscans
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)9.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, cream, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with dogwood trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota)
Host PlantsDogwood (Cornus spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on the leaves of dogwood trees. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often on the leaf surface.
Identification TipsKey features include its unique head-raised resting posture, the reddish-brown forewings with a cream costal stripe, and its association with dogwood trees.
Description
This small moth has a distinctive resting posture with its head raised and body angled. Its forewings are reddish-brown with a prominent cream or yellowish stripe along the costa, and it has long, slender white legs.
