Gooseberry Fruitworm Moth
Common NameGooseberry Fruitworm Moth
Scientific NameZophodia grossulariella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, and areas with gooseberry and currant plants
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host Plantsgooseberry, currant
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae hatch and bore into developing gooseberry or currant fruits, feeding on the pulp and seeds. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge the following spring.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled gray-brown forewings with a somewhat elongated shape, and its strong association with gooseberry and currant plants, where its larvae feed inside the fruits.
Description
This small moth has slender, elongated forewings mottled with shades of gray, brown, and white, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its head is relatively small with prominent dark eyes.
