Exasperating Platynota Moth
Common NameExasperating Platynota Moth
Scientific NamePlatynota exasperatana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, cream, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, apple, rose, various broadleaf trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous leafrollers, feeding within rolled leaves of various broadleaf plants. Pupation typically occurs within the rolled leaf or in leaf litter. This species has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent, upward-curving labial palps (appearing as a 'snout' or 'scale tuft' on the head), the triangular shape when at rest, and the mottled brown, tan, and cream forewing pattern, often with a darker, somewhat indistinct median band.
Description
A small moth with a triangular resting posture, featuring a complex pattern of mottled light and dark brown, tan, and cream patches on its forewings, and a distinctive raised scale tuft on its head.
