Virginia Pseudexentera Moth
Common NameVirginia Pseudexentera Moth
Scientific NamePseudexentera virginiana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorstan, brown, cream
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Virginia, west to Manitoba and Missouri)
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodMarch to June (earlier in south, later in north)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leafrollers, primarily on oak trees. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge in early spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, early spring flight period, and the distinctive dark brown patch on the forewing. Definitive identification often requires examination of genitalia due to similarity with other *Pseudexentera* species.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled tan and cream forewings, featuring a prominent dark brown, somewhat rectangular patch on the dorsal half of the wing.
