Maple Tip Borer Moth
Common NameMaple Tip Borer Moth
Scientific NameProteoteras aesculana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, cream, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, urban and suburban areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsMaple (Acer spp.), Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Buckeye (Aesculus spp.)
Flight PeriodApril to September (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the terminal shoots of host trees, causing damage and sometimes gall-like swellings. They typically overwinter as pupae or larvae within the damaged shoots.
Identification TipsLook for its small size and the distinctive mottled reddish-brown and cream forewing pattern. Presence of damaged or galled maple or buckeye tree tips can indicate its activity.
Description
A small moth characterized by its mottled forewings, displaying a mix of reddish-brown, cream, and dark brown patches, often with a distinct darker mark near the leading edge.
