Walsingham's Agonopterix Moth
Common NameWalsingham's Agonopterix Moth
Scientific NameAgonopterix walsinghamella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, white, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, and gardens where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, including parts of Canada and the United States.
Host PlantsSolidago (goldenrod), Symphyotrichum (aster)
Flight PeriodAugust to November, then March to April after overwintering
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-rollers on their host plants, primarily goldenrods and asters. Adults emerge in late summer, overwinter, and are active again in early spring.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown forewings with a prominent dark spot and scattered white scales. The pale head and thorax, along with its characteristic flattened resting posture, are key identification features.
Description
This small moth has reddish-brown forewings mottled with scattered white scales, a distinct dark discal spot, and a pale head and thorax. Its hindwings are typically grayish.
