Ironwood Leafcone Moth
Common NameIronwood Leafcone Moth
Scientific NameParaclemensia acerifoliella
FamilyAdelidae
SubfamilyAdelinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, white, cream
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southeastern Canada south to Georgia, west to Minnesota and Missouri)
Host PlantsAcer saccharum, Ostrya virginiana, Fagus grandifolia, Betula spp.
Flight PeriodLate April to early June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on the leaves of host plants. After feeding, they cut out a portable case from the mine and drop to the ground to pupate.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive twig-like resting posture, the mottled brown and cream forewings with a pale band, and the prominent feathery tuft at the end of the abdomen.
Description
A small moth characterized by its unique resting posture, where its wings are tightly wrapped around its body, resembling a twig or seed. Its forewings are mottled brown and cream, often with a distinct pale band, and it possesses a noticeable feathery tuft at the hind end.
