Dotted Leaftier Moth
Common NameDotted Leaftier Moth
Scientific NameAcleris celiana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, gray
HabitatWoodlands, forests, shrubby areas, orchards
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern and central United States, southern Canada)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, apple, cherry, poplar
Flight PeriodApril to June, and August to October (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are 'leaftiers,' meaning they roll or tie leaves together with silk to create a shelter where they feed. Pupation occurs within this silken shelter or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, mottled brown and tan forewings, and the characteristic 'leaftier' larval behavior. It can be distinguished from similar *Acleris* species by subtle differences in wing pattern and markings, often requiring close examination.
Description
A small, mottled brownish moth with forewings that are typically a mix of tan, brown, and grayish scales, often with darker speckling and sometimes a faint, raised scale tuft. The hindwings are usually a plain, lighter gray-brown.
