Mariona Twirler Moth
Common NameMariona Twirler Moth
Scientific NameChionodes mariona
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)11.5
Primary Colorsdark grey, black, white
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas where host pines are present.
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America (USA, Canada).
Host PlantsPine (Pinus spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are likely internal feeders (e.g., leaf miners or borers) on the needles or shoots of pine trees, eventually pupating into an adult moth.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the dark mottled forewings with a distinct white tornal spot, and the contrasting pale head and thorax.
Description
A small moth with dark grey to black forewings mottled with lighter scales, featuring a prominent white patch near the tornus and a contrasting pale, whitish head and thorax.
