Tricolored Acrobasis Moth
Common NameTricolored Acrobasis Moth
Scientific NameAcrobasis tricolorella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas)
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodLate May to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-tiers or feed within buds/catkins of oak trees. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in spring, emerging as adults in late spring/summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive white basal patch on the forewing, followed by a reddish-brown band, and the overall mottled grey and black coloration. Raised scales at the base of the forewing are also characteristic.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey and black forewings, featuring a prominent white basal patch and a reddish-brown band across the middle.
