Mandana Epiblema Moth
Common NameMandana Epiblema Moth
Scientific NameEpiblema mandana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)17
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, meadows where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America (USA and Canada)
Host PlantsAmbrosia (ragweed), Helianthus (sunflower), Rudbeckia (coneflower), Solidago (goldenrod)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, feeding internally within the stems and roots of various composite plants (Asteraceae). Pupation typically occurs within the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall mottled brown coloration, the presence of a pale, somewhat oblique streak near the tornus of the forewing, and specific dark markings that can vary. Definitive identification often requires microscopic examination of genitalia due to similarity with other Epiblema species.
Description
This is a small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown forewings, often featuring subtle darker markings and a pale streak near the tornus.
