Willow Leafcone Caterpillar Moth
Common NameWillow Leafcone Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameCaloptilia salicifoliella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, cream
HabitatRiparian areas, wetlands, moist woodlands, gardens with willows
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across the US and Canada)
Host Plantswillow (Salix spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners on willow leaves, creating a characteristic 'leafcone' by rolling the leaf margin. Pupation occurs within the rolled leaf or in a cocoon on the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive coppery-brown and creamy-white striped forewings, and its association with willow host plants. The pale white lower legs are also a good identifying feature.
Description
A small, slender moth with coppery-brown forewings featuring a prominent creamy-white longitudinal stripe along the costa, often with a darker patch near the apex. Its legs are notably pale white.
