Pecan Cigar Casebearer
Common NamePecan Cigar Casebearer
Scientific NameColeophora caryaefoliella
FamilyColeophoridae
SubfamilyColeophorinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorslight brown, orange
HabitatPecan orchards, forests, and areas with Carya species
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States
Host PlantsPecan (Carya illinoinensis), other Carya species
Flight PeriodMay to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are casebearers, constructing a distinctive cigar-shaped case from leaf material, which they carry as they feed on the surface of pecan leaves, causing skeletonization.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, light brown coloration, long antennae, and the presence of the characteristic cigar-shaped larval cases on pecan foliage.
Description
A very small, slender moth with long, filiform antennae and narrow, light brown to orange-brown wings that are often fringed, giving them a somewhat pointed appearance.
