Dichomeris citrifoliella
(Chambers, 1880)
orange webworm moth
Dichomeris citrifoliella, commonly known as the orange webworm , is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern and central North America. First described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1880, this is recognized by its ochreous yellow forewings densely dusted with gray and marked with distinctive dark dots. The larvae are known to feed on the buds of citrus and related plants in the Rutaceae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dichomeris citrifoliella: //daɪˈkɒmɛrɪs sɪˌtraɪfɒliˈɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Dichomeris 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 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.
Appearance
Small 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 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.
Distribution
North America, recorded from Michigan and Wisconsin south to Florida and Texas. Core range appears to be eastern and central United States.
Seasonality
active from April to September.
Diet
Larvae feed on buds of Citrus , Zanthoxylum americanum (prickly ash), and Ptelea trifoliata (hop-tree).
Host Associations
- Citrus - larval buds
- Zanthoxylum americanum - larval buds
- Ptelea trifoliata - larval buds
Human Relevance
Potential minor pest of citrus due to larval feeding on buds; significance appears limited based on available records.
Similar Taxa
- Other Dichomeris speciesMany Dichomeris share similar size and general wing pattern; D. citrifoliella distinguished by specific dot arrangement and ochreous yellow ground color with dense gray dusting
More Details
Etymology
Specific epithet citrifoliella refers to association with Citrus foliage.
Original description
First described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1880.