Rusty Pine Cone Moth
Common NameRusty Pine Cone Moth
Scientific NameDioryctria disclusa
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsrusty orange, white, brown
HabitatPine forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsPines (Pinus spp.), loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, slash pine
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into pine cones and shoots, feeding internally and causing damage. Pupation occurs within the host material or in the soil, typically with one generation per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its rusty orange and white mottled forewings with an irregular white transverse line, and its strong association with pine trees.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with forewings mottled in rusty orange-brown and white, often featuring a distinct, irregular white transverse line.
