White-edged Coleotechnites Moth
Common NameWhite-edged Coleotechnites Moth
Scientific NameColeotechnites edulicola
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, brown, white
HabitatPinyon-juniper woodlands, coniferous forests
Geographic RangeWestern North America (primarily southwestern US)
Host PlantsPinus edulis (Pinyon Pine)
Flight PeriodLate May to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are needle miners, feeding internally within the needles of pinyon pine trees. Pupation typically occurs within the host plant or in nearby litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the mottled brown and tan forewings, and the prominent pale or white stripe along the costal edge. Often found in association with pinyon pine.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled tan and dark brown forewings, characterized by a distinct pale or white stripe along the costal (leading) margin.
