North American Black-headed Birch Leaffolder Moth
Common NameNorth American Black-headed Birch Leaffolder Moth
Scientific NameAcleris nigrolinea
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with birch trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host PlantsBirch (Betula spp.)
Flight PeriodAugust to October (sometimes overwintering and flying in early spring)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaffolders, feeding within folded birch leaves. Pupation occurs inside the folded leaf, with adults emerging in late summer or fall.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, mottled grey-brown forewings with subtle dark lines, and its strong association with birch trees as a host plant.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, appearing speckled with subtle darker markings, and a somewhat flattened resting posture.
