Shining Dichomeris Moth
Common NameShining Dichomeris Moth
Scientific NameDichomeris vacciniella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyDichomeridinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, orange, purple
HabitatWoodlands, bogs, heathlands, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from New England south to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host PlantsVaccinium spp. (blueberries, cranberries, huckleberries)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of Vaccinium species, often tying leaves together. They pupate and emerge as adults, typically having one or two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, dark iridescent forewings, and the prominent orange-yellow subterminal band. The reddish-brown, upturned labial palps are also a key characteristic for the genus Dichomeris.
Description
A small, dark brown moth with an iridescent purplish sheen on its forewings, featuring a distinctive orange-yellow band near the outer margin. Its head and prominent labial palps are a contrasting reddish-brown.
