Little Carpenterworm Moth
Common NameLittle Carpenterworm Moth
Scientific NamePrionoxystus macmurtrei
FamilyCossidae
SubfamilyCossinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, chestnut, maple
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are wood-borers, spending 2-3 years tunneling within the trunks and branches of host trees before pupating inside their tunnels.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively small size for a carpenterworm moth, and the intricate, reticulated grey and black pattern on the forewings. Males have feathery (bipectinate) antennae, while females have simpler (filiform) antennae.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with mottled grey and black forewings, displaying a cryptic pattern that helps it blend with tree bark. The head and thorax are typically dark grey with some lighter markings.
