Aethes promptana
Scientific NameAethes promptana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorscream, pale yellow, light brown, orange-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, meadows
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern and central United States, parts of Canada)
Host PlantsSolidago, Aster, Eupatorium, Helianthus
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the flower heads and feed on the seeds of various composite plants (Asteraceae), such as goldenrods and asters.
Identification TipsCharacterized by its pale yellowish ground color and the mottled, somewhat reticulated pattern of light brown to orange-brown markings on the forewings. Genitalic examination is often required for definitive species identification within the genus Aethes.
Description
A small moth with pale yellowish-cream forewings marked with irregular, mottled patches of light brown to orange-brown, giving it a somewhat cryptic appearance.
