Phtheochroa birdana

Small tortricid moth distinguished from congeners primarily by geographic range and association with Helianthus and Rudbeckia hosts. Specific diagnostic morphological features for separating P. birdana from other Phtheochroa species are not documented in available sources.

Wingspan approximately 27 mm. As a member of Tortricidae, adults likely possess the characteristic bell-shaped resting posture with wings held roof-like over the body, though specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Associated with open habitats supporting its host plants, including areas where Helianthus (sunflowers) and Rudbeckia laciniata (cutleaf coneflower) occur.

Eastern North America: recorded from New York south to Florida, west to Illinois and Texas, and north to Ontario and Vermont.

Adults active June through September; October records in Florida suggest extended activity in southern portions of range.

Larvae feed on roots of Helianthus species and Rudbeckia laciniata. Adult diet unknown.

• Helianthus - larval food plantlarvae bore into roots
• Rudbeckia laciniata - larval food plantlarvae bore into roots

Larvae are root borers. Specific details regarding egg placement, pupation site, and number of generations per year are not documented.

Larvae bore into the roots of host plants. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light, based on general tortricid behavior and iNaturalist observation patterns.

As a root-boring herbivore, larvae may influence host plant vigor and potentially serve as prey for subterranean predators and parasitoids.

No documented economic or agricultural significance. Occasionally encountered by naturalists and moth enthusiasts.

• Other Phtheochroa speciesSimilar size and general tortricid morphology; identification to species level requires examination of genitalia or association with documented host plants.

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