Manierre's Scrobipalpula Moth
Common NameManierre's Scrobipalpula Moth
Scientific NameScrobipalpula manierreorum
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGnorimoschemini
Wingspan (mm)9
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatMeadows, fields, open woodlands, and disturbed areas where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host PlantsSolidago (goldenrod), Symphyotrichum (asters)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines on the leaves of goldenrod and aster species. Pupation typically occurs within the mine or in the soil.
Identification TipsAdult moths are difficult to identify without microscopic examination of genitalia. Field identification is primarily by the characteristic leaf mines on the host plants, which appear as pale, winding trails on the leaf surface.
Description
A small, slender moth with narrow, pointed wings, typically mottled in shades of brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage against bark or leaf litter.
