Mountain-mahogany Moth
Common NameMountain-mahogany Moth
Scientific NameChionodes cercocarpella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, grey, black
HabitatDry slopes, chaparral, woodlands, areas with mountain-mahogany plants
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia to California, east to Colorado)
Host PlantsCercocarpus ledifolius, Cercocarpus montanus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leafminers or feed on the leaves of Mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus) plants. The lifecycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, pale greyish-white forewings with prominent black streaks and spots, and its association with Mountain-mahogany host plants in western North America.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale grey to whitish forewings marked with irregular black streaks and distinct black spots, providing excellent camouflage against bark or lichen.
