Hairy Dichomeris Moth
Common NameHairy Dichomeris Moth
Scientific NameDichomeris ligulella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyDichomeridinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, brown, dark brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, fields, disturbed areas, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsoak, maple, willow, clover, locust, cherry, blueberry
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-rollers or tie leaves together to feed. Moths undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, adult, with multiple broods per year.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the prominent dark, X-shaped mark on the forewings, often outlined in lighter scales, against a mottled tan to brown background.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled tan and brown forewings featuring a distinctive dark, X-shaped mark in the middle and a darker band near the outer margin.
