Locust Twig Borer Moth
Common NameLocust Twig Borer Moth
Scientific NameEcdytolopha insiticiana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark grey, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, and areas where black locust trees are present
Geographic RangeEastern North America (eastern United States and parts of Canada)
Host PlantsBlack locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the twigs of black locust trees, forming galls or swellings. They overwinter as larvae within the twigs or pupate in the soil, with adults emerging in late spring to summer.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive irregular pale whitish patch on the outer half of the dark forewings, and its strong association with black locust trees, where its larvae cause characteristic twig galls.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled dark grey-brown forewings, characterized by a prominent, irregular pale whitish patch on the outer half.
