Hodges#2642

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tebenna silphiella: /tɛˈbɛnə sɪlˈfɪɛlə/

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Summary

Tebenna silphiella, known as the rosinweed moth, is a member of the family Choreutidae and is predominantly found in the Midwest United States. Its larvae feed on the Wholeleaf Rosinweed, where they impact the leaves by skeletonizing them. Adults are seen flying in May with two generations occurring each year.

Physical Characteristics

Adult forewing brown in the basal third and terminal area, featuring a prominent "swatch" of color in the distal third comprised of small black, white, and brown bands; a white subterminal line curving basally before reaching the costa; remainder of wing covered with whitish spots and several white scale patches; hindwing is brownish-gray with a thick dark terminal line and a long dark fringe. Larval length can reach up to 12 mm.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive color patterns on the forewings and the white subterminal line. The presence of larvae skeletonizing the leaves of Wholeleaf Rosinweed can also aid in identification.

Habitat

Prairies and meadows, particularly in areas containing the larval foodplant, Silphium integrifolium.

Distribution

Midwest United States, including states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and reported in Kentucky and Arkansas.

Diet

The larvae feed on Silphium integrifolium (Wholeleaf Rosinweed) and engage in leaf skeletonization.

Life Cycle

The species has two generations per year, with active adult presence from early to late May.

Ecosystem Role

As a herbivore, the larvae play a role in the ecosystem by influencing plant community dynamics and serving as prey for various predators.

Tags

• Tebenna silphiella
• rosinweed moth
• Choreutidae
• Midwest moths
• leaf skeletonizing larvae