Gelechiidae
Guides
Agnippe abdita
Agnippe abdita is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 8.5–9 mm, recorded from Utah, Arizona, and California. Adults are active in March. The larvae feed on Cercocarpus ledifolius and Cercocarpus montanus, with larval presence varying by region: March in southern California, June in eastern California and Utah.
Agnippe leuconota
Agnippe leuconota is a small gelechiid moth described by Zeller in 1873. It occurs across a broad geographic range in North America, from the northeastern United States through the Midwest, south to Florida and Texas, and into Mexico. The species is most reliably distinguished from its congener Agnippe prunifoliella by differences in forewing pattern, particularly the absence of distinct white costal markings present in the latter species. Adults are active during late spring and summer.
Anacampsis
Anacampsis is a worldwide genus of gelechiid moths established by Curtis in 1827. Species are predominantly distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with additional records from Europe and Asia. Larvae of most species are leafrollers or leaf folders on deciduous trees and shrubs, constructing shelters from rolled or spun leaves. Several species have been studied in detail for their larval biology and host plant associations.
Anacampsis
Anacampsis sp-four is an undescribed or provisionally numbered species within the gelechiid moth genus Anacampsis. The genus comprises small moths with narrow, lanceolate forewings and distinctive genitalia used for species-level identification. As a numbered provisional species, its formal taxonomic status remains unresolved pending detailed morphological or molecular study.
Anacampsis agrimoniella
Agrimony Anacampsis Moth
Anacampsis agrimoniella is a gelechiid moth described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The species is associated with woodlands and wood edges across eastern North America. Its larval development is tied to Agrimonia host plants. The common name references both the genus Anacampsis and the agrimony host genus.
Anacampsis comparanda
Anacampsis comparanda is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. The species has a wingspan of 13–14 mm. Its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Anacampsis consonella
Anacampsis consonella is a small gelechiid moth species originally described by Zeller in 1873. It was long treated as a junior synonym of A. rhoifructella but was reinstated as a valid species based on differences in larval morphology, phenology, and genital structure. The species feeds as a larva on leaves of Viburnum prunifolium (blackhaw viburnum).
Anacampsis fragariella
Anacampsis fragariella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1904. It occurs in North America with records from the northeastern United States, Great Lakes region, and Pacific Northwest. The species is associated with strawberry plants (Fragaria), with larvae feeding on these hosts. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16 mm and exhibit characteristic forewing patterning with a darker apical fascia.
Anacampsis fullonella
Anacampsis fullonella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1873. It is a North American species with a documented range concentrated in the south-central and southeastern United States. The species is relatively well-documented, with over 2,000 observations recorded.
Anacampsis innocuella
dark-headed aspen leafroller moth
Anacampsis innocuella is a gelechiid moth described by Zeller in 1873. The species is known for its larval behavior of rolling leaves on host plants in the genera Populus, Salix, and Prunus. Adults are small moths with distinctive ash grey coloration and a pale wavy transverse line on the forewings. The common name "dark-headed aspen leafroller moth" reflects both its appearance and its association with aspen (Populus).
Anacampsis lagunculariella
Anacampsis lagunculariella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1900. It occurs in the Caribbean and southeastern United States, with larvae that feed on Laguncularia racemosa, a mangrove species. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterning including black costal markings and rows of small black dots near the wing apex.
Anacampsis lupinella
Lupine Leafroller Moth
Anacampsis lupinella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of approximately 14 mm. The species exhibits distinctive dark, lustrous forewings with variable pale markings, ranging from unmarked individuals to those bearing whitish-yellow spots or a narrow transverse fascia. Larvae are known to feed on Lupinus perennis. The species occurs in eastern and central North America, with records from Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas.
Anacampsis n-sp-two
Anacampsis n-sp-two is a species of gelechiid moth in the genus Anacampsis. As an undescribed species designated by a provisional name, formal taxonomic description and detailed biological information remain unpublished. Members of this genus are small moths with distinctive wing patterns and are associated with various host plants. The species is recognized from specimens collected in specific geographic areas pending formal description.
Anacampsis nr-comparanda
Anacampsis nr-comparanda is a small gelechiid moth whose taxonomic status remains provisional. The 'nr-' prefix indicates it closely resembles A. comparanda but has not been formally described or confirmed as conspecific. Members of this genus are generally inconspicuous, with narrow wings and cryptic coloration. This record reflects uncertainty in identification rather than a formally recognized species.
Anacampsis tristrigella
A small gelechiid moth with distinctive wing patterning described by Walsingham in 1882. The species is recognized by its greyish-fuscous forewings with greenish iridescence, steel-grey costal streak, and characteristic white markings including a transverse fascia and three to four apical tooth-like streaks. Larvae are known to feed on American hazelnut (Corylus americana).
Anarsia lineatella
Peach twig borer, Almond fruit moth
Anarsia lineatella, commonly known as the peach twig borer, is a gelechiid moth native to Europe that was introduced to California in the 1880s and has since spread to other regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of stone fruits, particularly peach, almond, plum, and apricot. The species exhibits multivoltine life cycles with two to three generations per year in most regions, with development rates varying by climate. Adults are small moths with a wingspan of 11–14 mm. The species overwinters as second or third instar larvae within buds and bark cracks, with diapause termination synchronized by winter chilling.
Apatetrinae
Apatetrinae is a subfamily of small moths within the family Gelechiidae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1947. The subfamily includes two recognized tribes—Apatetrini and Pexicopiini—plus numerous genera currently unplaced to tribe. Many species are poorly known, though the group includes some economically significant pests such as the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella). The subfamily exhibits considerable diversity in morphology and larval habits across its constituent genera.
Aproaerema
Aproaerema is a genus of gelechiid moths in the subfamily Anacampsinae. The genus contains at least 11 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aproaerema modicella (groundnut leaf miner), which causes severe yield losses in groundnut and soybean crops across South and Southeast Asia and has recently invaded Africa. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with molecular and behavioral evidence suggesting relationships among A. modicella, A. simplexella, and related taxa require re-examination.
Aproaerema adversa
Aproaerema adversa is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1930. It belongs to a genus of gelechiid moths distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been recorded from scattered localities across the eastern and western United States. Like other members of its family, it likely has a concealed lifestyle, with larvae that may feed internally on plant tissues.
Aproaerema nigrella
Aproaerema nigrella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. The species was described by Chambers in 1875. Like other members of this large family, it is a microlepidopteran—typically measuring less than ten millimeters in length. The genus Aproaerema belongs to the subfamily Anacampsinae, which contains numerous small species with poorly documented biology.
Arcutelphusa talladega
Arcutelphusa talladega is a species of moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is the sole member of its genus. The species was described in 2008 and is known from a limited distribution in the southeastern United States.
Argyrolacia bifida
Argyrolacia bifida is a species of moth in the family Gelechiidae, and the sole member of its genus. It was described by Keifer in 1936 and is known from California, North America. As a gelechiid moth, it belongs to a large family of small moths commonly known as twirler moths. The genus name Argyrolacia derives from Greek roots suggesting silver (argyro-) and some form of covering or garment (lacia), though the specific meaning and relevance to the species' appearance is not documented in available sources.
Aristotelia
twirler moths
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. These microlepidoptera are characterized by their tiny size yet bold, exotic-looking markings. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America north of Mexico, with many additional species awaiting formal description. Aristotelia moths are attracted to blacklights and are frequently encountered during nocturnal insect surveys. Each species specializes on a particular host plant, though collectively the genus utilizes many plant families.
Aristotelia adenostomae
Aristotelia adenostomae is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. It was described by Keifer in 1933 and is known only from California. The species has forewings measuring 4.3–6 mm. Its larvae feed specifically on Adenostoma fasciculatum, a shrub in the rose family commonly called chamise or greasewood.
Aristotelia amelanchierella
Aristotelia amelanchierella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. The species is found in scattered locations across North America, with records from Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. The larva is known to feed on Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), making this a host-specific twirler moth.
Aristotelia arenella
Aristotelia arenella is a recently described species of twirler moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Lee in 2022. The genus Aristotelia comprises small moths commonly known as twirler moths due to their characteristic resting posture with wings wrapped tightly around the body. Members of this genus are typically microlepidoptera, often under 15mm in length, with bold and distinctive color patterns that aid in identification. The specific epithet 'arenella' suggests an association with sandy habitats, though this remains to be confirmed through ecological study.
Aristotelia argentifera
Aristotelia argentifera is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. It was described by August Busck in 1903 and is known from California and western Nevada. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring metallic silvery and bluish iridescent scales. Larvae feed on Ericameria ericoides and Baccharis pilularis.
Aristotelia calens
Aristotelia calens is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It is known from California, with a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The forewings display a distinctive pattern of brown ground color with multiple white fasciae that are irrorated (sprinkled) with grey, along with characteristic black markings including spots on the costa and fold, and a streak on the fold. The hindwings are grey. It belongs to a genus of "twirler moths" whose larvae are known to specialize on particular host plants.
Aristotelia eumeris
Aristotelia eumeris is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically California and Arizona. The species has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm and exhibits distinctive wing patterning with white fasciae, blackish markings, and rosy dorsal tinging. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though these remain undocumented for this particular species.
Aristotelia hexacopa
Aristotelia hexacopa is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It belongs to the genus Aristotelia, commonly known as twirler moths. The species is documented from the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is small and boldly patterned.
Aristotelia intermediella-group
The Aristotelia intermediella-group comprises tiny twirler moths in the family Gelechiidae. These microlepidoptera are characterized by bold, exotic-looking markings despite their small size. The group contains multiple closely related species that are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. Members are attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night and have been documented in Colorado and New Mexico.
Aristotelia isopelta
Aristotelia isopelta is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It belongs to a genus of small 'twirler moths' characterized by bold patterning despite their diminutive size. The species has been recorded across a broad North American range spanning from British Columbia and Quebec to Texas and Arizona. Adults have a wingspan of 9–12 mm. Like other Aristotelia species, the larvae likely specialize on a particular host plant, though specific details remain undocumented.
Aristotelia ivae
Aristotelia ivae is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1900. It is native to the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida and Georgia. The species was introduced to Australia in 1969 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Baccharis halimifolia. Its larvae feed specifically on Iva frutescens in its native range.
Aristotelia lespedezae
Aristotelia lespedezae is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1930. It occurs in the eastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Adults have been documented from late May through October in Kentucky. The species name references its presumed larval association with Lespedeza plants.
Aristotelia planitia
Aristotelia planitia is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. It is known from a limited number of records in Utah, North America. The species belongs to a genus of "twirler moths" whose larvae typically specialize on particular host plants.
Aristotelia primipilana
Aristotelia primipilana is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It belongs to the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, a diverse group of microlepidoptera whose larvae typically feed on specific host plants. The species has been documented in eastern North America with records from Florida and Ontario. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the bold patterning characteristic of Aristotelia species.
Aristotelia pudibundella
Aristotelia pudibundella is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Zeller in 1873. The species occurs across the southeastern and central United States, with additional records from Haiti, St. Croix, and Quebec. Adults can be distinguished from the similar Aristotelia roseosuffusella by their reduced or absent roseate coloration on the forewings and specific banding patterns. Larvae feed on Malus species and Acacia farnesiana.
Aristotelia salicifungiella
Aristotelia salicifungiella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1865. The species is characterized by distinctive red forewings with complex whitish and dark fuscous patterning. It occurs in scattered locations across North America including California, Illinois, Ohio, and Ontario. Like other members of its genus, it is a "twirler moth" with larvae that specialize on particular host plants.
Aristotelia sp.
twirler moth
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. Multiple undescribed species are known to occur in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States. These moths are characterized by bold, distinctive markings despite their small size. The genus contains approximately 35 named species north of Mexico, with many more awaiting formal scientific description.
Aristotelia undescribed-ex-quercus
twirler moth
Aristotelia undescribed-ex-quercus is a small, undescribed species of twirler moth in the family Gelechiidae. The informal epithet "ex-quercus" indicates an association with oak (Quercus) as a larval host plant. Like other Aristotelia species, it is tiny but boldly marked. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America north of Mexico, with many additional species awaiting formal description. Each Aristotelia species appears to specialize on a particular host plant, though collectively the genus utilizes many plant families.
Arla tenuicornis
Arla tenuicornis is a small gelechiid moth described by Clarke in 1942. It is known from the Pacific coastal region of the western United States, with records from Washington southward to California. The species is characterized by its relatively modest size, with a wingspan of 17–23 mm, and distinctive wing patterning featuring a yellowish ground color heavily speckled with fuscous.
Aroga
Aroga is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Busck in 1914. The genus contains multiple species distributed across North America and parts of Eurasia. At least one species, Aroga argutiola, has been documented as a leaf-tier on sweet fern in Michigan, with a univoltine life cycle. Most species are poorly studied beyond basic taxonomic descriptions.
Aroga
Twirler moths, Stripe-backed moths
Aroga is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. Species in this genus are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. The genus includes Arogalea cristifasciella, known as the Stripe-backed Moth, which has been documented in suburban settings in Kansas. Aroga species are part of the diverse microlepidoptera fauna that are often overlooked due to their small size.
Aroga camptogramma
Aroga camptogramma is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of 8–9 mm. Published information on its biology and ecology remains sparse.
Aroga compositella
Six-spotted Aroga Moth, six-spotted aroga
Aroga compositella is a small gelechiid moth with distinctive white markings on dark forewings. The species occurs across much of the eastern and central United States. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Aroga epigaeella
Aroga epigaeella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. The species is named for its larval host plant, Epigaea repens (trailing arbutus). Adults are active from spring through early autumn across a broad range of the eastern and south-central United States. The species exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with contrasting white spots against a dark ground color.
Aroga websteri
Aroga websteri is a small gelechiid moth described by Clarke in 1942. The species is known from a limited geographic range in western North America, with records from Washington state. Its wingspan measures 14–16 mm. The specific epithet honors Dr. R. L. Webster, former head of the Department of Zoology at Washington State College.
Arogalea cristifasciella
Stripe-backed Moth, White Stripe-backed Moth
Arogalea cristifasciella is a small gelechiid moth known as the stripe-backed moth or white stripe-backed moth. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from over 25 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The species is characterized by its small size, with forewings approximately 5 mm in length, and adults are active from January through August. It is frequently encountered at light traps and is one of many small moths that contribute to the high diversity of North American Lepidoptera.
Athrips
Athrips is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae containing approximately 60 described species distributed across the Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions. Species are organized into species-groups based on morphological and presumably phylogenetic relationships, with the largest diversity centered in arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2005 for the Palaearctic region, with subsequent revisions for China (2009) and Africa (2010). One species, A. mouffetella, has been genome-sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Athrips mouffetella
Ten-spotted Honeysuckle Moth, Dotted Grey Groundling
Athrips mouffetella is a small gelechiid moth known by two common names reflecting its appearance and host association. Adults fly from June to early September and are readily attracted to light. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution and has been introduced to North America. Its larvae feed exclusively on honeysuckle and snowberry, spinning silken webs on terminal leaves.