Poison Ivy Leaf-miner Moth
Common NamePoison Ivy Leaf-miner Moth
Scientific NameAcrocercops quinquistrigella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, disturbed areas where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsToxicodendron radicans (Poison Ivy), Toxicodendron diversilobum (Western Poison-oak)
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating serpentine mines within the leaves of poison ivy and related plants. Pupation typically occurs within the mine or in a small cocoon on the leaf surface.
Identification TipsLook for its minute size, the characteristic brown and white banded pattern on its forewings, and its association with poison ivy plants, where its larvae mine the leaves.
Description
A very small, slender moth with brown forewings marked by distinct white and black transverse bands, and a prominent tuft of scales on its head.
