Red-letter Flat-body
Common NameRed-letter Flat-body
Scientific NameAgonopterix pulvipennella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, white, black, orange
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with host trees and shrubs
Geographic RangeEastern North America (eastern United States and Canada)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, poplar
Flight PeriodLate summer to spring (overwinters as adult)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs, often rolling or tying them. Adults emerge in late summer, overwinter, and become active again in early spring to lay eggs.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled gray and black forewings with prominent reddish-orange, dash-like markings, and its characteristic flattened posture when at rest.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with grayish-white forewings heavily speckled with black and brown, featuring distinctive reddish-orange markings that often resemble letters or dashes.
