Ornate Eucosma
Common NameOrnate Eucosma
Scientific NameEucosma ornate
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)16
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorscream, brown, black, orange
HabitatMeadows, open fields, roadsides, and areas with host plants like goldenrod and aster.
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba.
Host PlantsSolidago (goldenrod), Aster species
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems or roots of host plants, primarily goldenrod and aster. Pupation likely occurs within the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, the intricate mottled pattern of cream, dark brown, and black, and the characteristic reddish-orange patch on the hind margin of the forewing.
Description
A small moth with forewings cryptically patterned with mottled patches of cream, dark brown, and black, often featuring a distinct reddish-orange patch near the tornus.
