Eastern Black-headed Budworm Moth
Common NameEastern Black-headed Budworm Moth
Scientific NameAcleris variana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white
HabitatConiferous forests, boreal forests
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America
Host Plantsspruce, fir, hemlock
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis moth is univoltine, overwintering as eggs laid on conifer needles. Larvae hatch in spring, feeding on new growth and pupating in silken cocoons among the needles before adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for its small size and the unique reddish-brown forewings with a prominent pale diagonal stripe. It is typically found in coniferous forest environments.
Description
A small moth characterized by its reddish-brown forewings adorned with a distinct, pale silvery-white diagonal stripe. Its head and thorax are typically paler than the wings.
