Forbes' Acleris Moth
Common NameForbes' Acleris Moth
Scientific NameAcleris forbesana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, cream, pale grey
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to October (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-rollers, feeding within rolled leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs within the rolled leaf or on the ground, with two generations typically occurring per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its specific mottled pattern of dark brown/black and cream/pale grey, particularly the broad, irregular median band. Close examination of wing markings is often needed to differentiate it from similar *Acleris* species.
Description
A small moth with mottled forewings, featuring a prominent dark brown to black base and outer margin, contrasted by a broad, irregular cream to pale grey band across the middle.
