Xylesthia pruniramiella

The combination of small size, forewing pattern with elevated scale patches at base and along fold, multiple indistinct whitish bands, white dorsal spot at inner angle, and blackish apical spot with white anterior margin distinguishes this species from similar Tineidae. The year-round adult activity period is also notable.

Small moth with wingspan 12.7–13.7 mm. Forewings are blackish brown and luteous brown, variably marked with whitish patches. Distinctive features include patches of elevated scales at the wing base and along the fold, an indistinct whitish band crossing the middle of the disc, a fainter band nearer the base, and another band near the end of the disc. A white dorsal spot appears at the inner angle with an adjacent whitish streak from the costa above it, plus an additional whitish costal streak between this and the tip. The wing tip has a blackish spot with white anterior margin. Hindwings are dark brown with slight reddish tinge.

Associated with plum trees (Prunus spp.), specifically where woody excrescences occur on branches. Habitat details beyond host tree presence are not documented.

Eastern and central North America, recorded from New Hampshire south to Florida and west from Illinois to Texas. Also recorded from the Galápagos Islands (presence status).

Adults active from February to December, with year-round flight period possible.

Larvae feed on woody excrescences (abnormal growths) found on branches of plum trees (Prunus spp.). Adult diet not documented.

• Prunus - larval hostwoody excrescences on branches

Complete metamorphosis with larval stage specialized on woody growths of plum branches. Specific details of egg, pupal stages, and generation time are not documented.

Larval feeding on woody excrescences may contribute to nutrient cycling on host trees; specific ecological impacts are not documented.

No significant documented economic or cultural importance. Not known as a pest of commercial plum production.

• Other Xylesthia speciesSimilar size and general Tineidae morphology; distinguished by specific forewing pattern elements including elevated scale patches and banding arrangement
• Other small TineidaeMany Tineidae are small with mottled brown forewings; the distinctive scale patches and specific whitish marking pattern of X. pruniramiella aid separation

• moth
• Tineidae
• North America
• plum
• Prunus
• bark moth

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