Dichomeris citrifoliella

Distinguished from similar Dichomeris species by combination of ochreous yellow ground color with dense gray dusting and specific pattern of dark dots: two antemedial dots (above and below fold), two cell dots plus one fold dot beyond, and paired discal dots with inner marginal shade. Postmedial line faint and irregular. Size (~18 mm wingspan) and geographic range (eastern North America) assist in narrowing identification.

Small moth with wingspan approximately 18 mm. Forewings ochreous yellow, densely and evenly dusted with gray. Two antemedial dark dots positioned above and below the fold. Two dots in the cell and one dot in the fold just beyond them. Pair of blackish discal dots present, with stronger blackish shade on inner margin beyond them. Postmedial line faint, pale, defined with dark and irregular. Hindwings grayer than forewings.

North America, recorded from Michigan and Wisconsin south to Florida and Texas. Core range appears to be eastern and central United States.

Adults active from April to September.

Larvae feed on buds of Citrus species, Zanthoxylum americanum (prickly ash), and Ptelea trifoliata (hop-tree).

• Citrus - larval hostbuds
• Zanthoxylum americanum - larval hostbuds
• Ptelea trifoliata - larval hostbuds

Potential minor pest of citrus due to larval feeding on buds; significance appears limited based on available records.

• Other Dichomeris speciesMany Dichomeris species share similar size and general wing pattern; D. citrifoliella distinguished by specific dot arrangement and ochreous yellow ground color with dense gray dusting

• Gelechiidae
• Rutaceae-feeder
• North American fauna
• citrus pest

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life