Spring Spruce Needle Moth
Common NameSpring Spruce Needle Moth
Scientific NameColeotechnites piceaella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatConiferous forests, especially spruce forests
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread where spruce trees occur, including Canada and northern US)
Host Plantswhite spruce, black spruce, red spruce, Engelmann spruce
Flight PeriodLate May to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are needle miners, feeding within spruce needles. They pupate in cocoons among the needles or bark, with adults emerging in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the distinctive mottled grey and black cryptic pattern on the forewings, and its strong association with spruce trees as a host plant.
Description
A small moth with forewings displaying a highly cryptic pattern of mottled dark grey, black, and white scales, providing excellent camouflage against bark or lichen.
