Teaweed Moth
Common NameTeaweed Moth
Scientific NameAnacampsis sidalceella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyDichomeridinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, dark brown, black
HabitatOpen fields, disturbed areas, roadsides, and other habitats where its host plants grow.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas.
Host PlantsSida rhombifolia, Sida spinosa, other Sida species
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of Sida species, initially as leaf miners and later by tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled pattern of cream and dark brown/black on the forewings, particularly the prominent pale patch near the base and a larger pale patch in the middle. The head and thorax are typically pale.
Description
A small moth with forewings distinctly patterned with contrasting patches of cream or pale yellow and dark brown to black, often forming a noticeable 'X' or cross-like pattern when at rest.
