Pitch Pine Tip Moth
Common NamePitch Pine Tip Moth
Scientific NameRhyacionia rigidana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, white, grey
HabitatPine forests, woodlands, and areas with its host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma
Host PlantsPinus rigida, Pinus taeda, Pinus echinata, Pinus virginiana
Flight PeriodMay to June and August to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the terminal shoots and lateral buds of pine trees, causing tip dieback or deformation. Pupation occurs within the damaged shoot.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, mottled reddish-brown and white/grey forewings, and prominent scale tufts on the head. Often found in association with Pitch Pine and other pine species.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled reddish-brown and white/grey forewings, and distinctive tufts of scales on its head.
