Ruby Aristotelia Moth
Common NameRuby Aristotelia Moth
Scientific NameAristotelia rubidella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)8.5
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, ruby red
HabitatWoodlands, shrubby areas, gardens, and disturbed sites where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas.
Host PlantsRubus species (raspberries, blackberries)
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known to feed on the leaves of various *Rubus* species, often acting as leaf miners or feeding within spun leaves. Pupation typically occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive dark forewings with prominent ruby-red or pinkish mottling, and its association with raspberry and blackberry plants. The head often appears somewhat shaggy.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its dark brown to black forewings heavily mottled with distinct ruby-red or pinkish scales, especially prominent towards the wing tips and posterior body.
