Telphusa perspicua
Common NameTelphusa perspicua
Scientific NameTelphusa perspicua
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsoak, hickory, walnut, birch, elm, maple, basswood, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees, often as leaf miners or within spun leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, very rough and mottled bark-like forewing pattern, and often a slightly raised tuft of scales. Definitive identification often requires examination of genitalia.
Description
A small, slender moth with highly cryptic, mottled brown and grey forewings, giving it a rough, bark-like appearance due to raised scales.
