Pelochrista argentialbana
Common NamePelochrista argentialbana
Scientific NamePelochrista argentialbana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbeige, brown, white
HabitatGrasslands, dry meadows, open woodlands
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host PlantsAsteraceae (e.g., thistle, sunflower family)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Larvae are typically internal feeders, often boring into stems or roots of their host plants.
Identification TipsKey features include the small size, slender body, and the distinctive cryptic pattern of wavy brown lines and speckles on a light background of the forewings.
Description
A small, slender moth with light beige to off-white forewings marked by intricate, wavy brown transverse lines and darker speckling, particularly towards the wing tips, providing excellent camouflage.
