Y-backed Telphusa
Common NameY-backed Telphusa
Scientific NameTelphusa longifasciella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, creamy white, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak, hickory, walnut
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners or feed within spun leaves of host trees, pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the creamy white Y-shaped mark on the dark forewings, clearly visible when the moth is at rest.
Description
A small, slender moth with dark brown to black forewings featuring a prominent creamy white Y-shaped marking on its dorsum when at rest.
