Oak Leaftier Moth
Common NameOak Leaftier Moth
Scientific NamePsilocorsis quercicella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, oak savannas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaftiers, feeding within oak leaves that they have tied together with silk. Pupation occurs within the tied leaves or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, cryptic brown and blackish pattern on the forewings, and its strong association with oak trees. The specific arrangement of dark markings can help distinguish it from similar species.
Description
A small, slender moth with tan to light brown forewings marked with irregular dark brown or blackish bands and spots, often with a darker patch near the termen. The hindwings are typically paler.
