Oak Gelechiid Moth
Common NameOak Gelechiid Moth
Scientific NamePovolnya quercinigrella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale brown, white, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, oak groves
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsQuercus (oak) species
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, feeding within the leaves of oak trees. They undergo metamorphosis into pupae, and then emerge as adults, with multiple generations possible per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, characteristic resting posture (wings tightly folded), and the mottled, cryptic pattern of its forewings, which provide camouflage on oak bark or leaves. Definitive identification often requires microscopic examination.
Description
A small, slender micro-moth with cryptically patterned forewings, a mix of pale brown, white, and darker brown scales, often appearing mottled or streaky. It typically rests with its wings folded tightly over its body, giving it a very narrow profile.
