Ponderosa Pine Coneworm Moth
Common NamePonderosa Pine Coneworm Moth
Scientific NameDioryctria ponderosae
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, cream, white
HabitatConiferous forests, especially those with Ponderosa Pine
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., United States, Canada)
Host PlantsPonderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), other pine species (Pinus spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are coneworms, feeding internally within the cones, shoots, and bark of pine trees, often causing damage to developing cones and terminal shoots.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled reddish-brown and cream-white forewing pattern and its association with Ponderosa Pine trees. The moth has a relatively stout body and prominent, upward-curving labial palps.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with forewings displaying a mottled pattern of reddish-brown and cream-white, providing cryptic camouflage against tree bark.
