Nantucket Pine Tip Moth
Common NameNantucket Pine Tip Moth
Scientific NameRhyacionia frustrana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, orange, white, silver
HabitatPine forests, pine plantations, areas with young pine trees
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern United States, extending into parts of Central America
Host Plantsloblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, pitch pine, other Pinus species
Flight PeriodMultiple generations from early spring (March/April) to late fall (October/November)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the terminal and lateral shoots of young pine trees, causing tip dieback, stunted growth, and deformation. Pupation occurs within the damaged pine shoots.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive reddish-brown and silvery-white banded pattern on its forewings, and its association with pine trees, particularly where new growth shows signs of damage.
Description
A small moth characterized by its mottled forewings, which display irregular bands of reddish-brown, orange, and silvery-white scales, giving it a somewhat camouflaged appearance.
