Gelechiidae
Guides
Friseria
mesquite web worm (for F. cockerelli)
Friseria is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Busck in 1939. The genus contains at least nine described species distributed in North America. One species, Friseria cockerelli, is known as the mesquite web worm and has been studied for its larval habit of constructing silken webs on host plants. Most species remain poorly documented beyond taxonomic descriptions.
Friseria acaciella
Friseria acaciella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. The species is distinguished by its dark purple forewings with a distinctive yellowish-white quadrangular spot and contrasting lighter apex. It occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, with larvae that feed specifically on Acacia farnesiana.
Friseria cockerelli
mesquite webworm moth, mesquite webworm
Friseria cockerelli is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as the mesquite webworm moth. Its larvae are web-forming caterpillars that feed on mesquite (Prosopis spp.) and construct silk webs on host plants. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, with adults active primarily from April to September.
Friseria nona
Friseria nona is a small gelechiid moth described by Hodges in 1966. It is known from Arizona in southwestern North America. The species is morphologically similar to Friseria repentina but distinguished by buff coloration replacing the orange tones found in that species. Knowledge of this species is limited to original description and scattered records.
Gelechia
Gelechia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Hübner in 1825. The type species is Gelechia rhombella. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants including cotton (Gossypium), juniper (Juniperus), and Palo Verde trees (Parkinsonia). Some species have been moved to other genera based on morphological revisions, such as Gelechia acanthopis which was transferred to the new genus Sitotrogoides. The genus has been recorded from Europe, Asia, and North America.
Gelechia albisparsella
Gelechia albisparsella is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are characterized by dark brown forewings with faint ochreous suffusion and sparse white scaling concentrated near the costal cilia. The larvae are specialized leaf skeletonizers of American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Despite being described in 1872, the species remains poorly documented beyond its original description and scattered collection records.
Gelechia bianulella
Gelechia bianulella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Chambers in 1875. It belongs to a large genus of twirler moths, many of which are poorly known biologically. The species has been recorded from scattered localities across western and south-central North America.
Gelechia desiliens
Gelechia desiliens is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Meyrick in 1923. It is known from California, with a wingspan of 19–22 mm. The species exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with light brownish ground color, dark fuscous suffusion, and characteristic stigmata markings.
Gelechia lynceella
Gelechia lynceella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Zeller in 1873. It is widely distributed across North America, with records spanning from western Canada through the United States to southern regions. The species belongs to a large genus of gelechiid moths, many of which are poorly known biologically. Like other members of Gelechiidae, adults are typically small with narrow wings.
Gelechia ribesella
Gelechia ribesella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae (twirler moths), described by V.T. Chambers in 1875. It is recorded from western North America including California, Oregon, Colorado, British Columbia, and Mexico. Like other gelechiids, it is a small moth with larvae that likely feed on plant material, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The species is rarely encountered in literature and its biology is largely unknown.
Gelechia sabinellus
juniper gelechiid moth
Gelechia sabinellus, known as the juniper gelechiid moth, is a small gelechiid moth native to Europe that has been introduced to Great Britain and North America through accidental transport in garden junipers. The species is univoltine, with adults active in August. Larvae are specialist feeders on Juniperus species.
Gelechia versutella
Gelechia versutella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1873. It is known from western North America, with records spanning from Montana and Wyoming south to Texas and California. The larvae feed on Populus species, including Populus fremontii and Populus tremuloides.
Gelechiinae
twirler moths
Gelechiinae is a large subfamily of moths within the family Gelechiidae, first described by Henry Tibbats Stainton in 1854. The subfamily contains numerous species of small moths commonly known as twirler moths. Members of this subfamily are found globally and include many economically important agricultural pests. The group has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with molecular studies continuing to clarify relationships among its constituent tribes and genera.
Glauce
Glauce is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Chambers in 1875. The genus belongs to the tribe Litini within the subfamily Gelechiinae. These moths are part of the diverse microlepidopteran fauna, though individual species within the genus remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Glauce pectenalaeella
Glauce pectenalaeella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is the sole species in the genus Glauce. The species is found across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Quebec) and multiple U.S. states. The forewings are characterized by dense dark dusting that largely obscures the pale yellowish ground color.
Gnorimoschema alaricella
Gnorimoschema alaricella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by August Busck in 1908. It is found in scattered locations across North America, with records from California, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The species is characterized by its relatively small wingspan and distinctive dark, mottled forewing pattern that obscures the underlying bluish-white ground color. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group of microlepidoptera that includes species associated with plant galls, though specific biological details for this species remain limited.
Gnorimoschema baccharisella
Coyote Brush Stem Gall Moth
Gnorimoschema baccharisella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by August Busck in 1903. It is found in California, where its larvae induce hard stem galls on Baccharis pilularis (coyote brush). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing size, with females being slightly larger than males.
Gnorimoschema bacchariselloides
Gnorimoschema bacchariselloides is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae described in 2001 by Jerry Powell and Dalibor Povolný. The species is known from a limited number of records in western North America. As a member of the genus Gnorimoschema, it belongs to a group of moths whose larvae typically induce galls on host plants, though the specific biology of this species remains poorly documented.
Gnorimoschema busckiella
Gnorimoschema busckiella is a small gelechiid moth described by William D. Kearfott in 1903. It is known from limited records in the northeastern and midwestern United States. The species has a distinctive wing pattern created by an unusual scale arrangement that produces a bronze-brown color sprinkled with white. Its larvae feed on Aster patens, a species of aster native to eastern North America.
Gnorimoschema compsomorpha
Gnorimoschema compsomorpha is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known for inducing galls on host plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. It has been recorded from New Mexico in the United States, with additional distribution records from Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada.
Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis
Goldenrod Elliptical-Gall Moth, Goldenrod Gall Moth, Solidago Gall Moth, Goldenrod Gallmaker
Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae that induces distinctive elliptical galls on goldenrod (Solidago) stems. The species exhibits host-associated genetic differentiation, with populations on different Solidago species showing significant genetic divergence even when geographically proximate. Research has demonstrated that the galls formed by this moth accumulate soil contaminants at higher concentrations than surrounding plant tissues, making them potentially useful as environmental pollution detectors. The moth is widely distributed across North America and is one of several gall-forming insects associated with goldenrod.
Gnorimoschema nr-septentrionella-two
Gnorimoschema nr-septentrionella-two is a species of gelechiid moth in the genus Gnorimoschema. The "nr" designation indicates this is a near-reference specimen that closely resembles but may not be definitively identified as Gnorimoschema septentrionella. The "two" suffix suggests it represents a second distinct morphotype or genetic cluster within this near-septentrionella group. Species in this genus are typically small moths associated with herbaceous host plants, often forming galls or feeding internally in stems or roots.
Gnorimoschema salinaris
Gnorimoschema salinaris is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1911. It is found in eastern and central North America, with records from Florida to Maine and west to Illinois and Michigan. The species is closely related to Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis, sharing similar wing patterns but differing in specific markings. Its larvae form galls on the stalks of seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens).
Gnorimoschema saphirinella
Gnorimoschema saphirinella is a small gelechiid moth described by V.T. Chambers in 1875. It is widely distributed across North America, with records from at least 14 U.S. states spanning the southern, central, and western regions. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length. Adults are active for much of the year, and larvae are specialized leaf miners on Ambrosia species.
Gnorimoschema septentrionella
A small gelechiid moth described by Fyles in 1911. The species is known from northern and north-central North America, with records spanning Canada and the northern United States. Larvae are gall-formers on Aster junceus. Wingspan approximately 20 mm.
Gnorimoschema serratipalpella
Gnorimoschema serratipalpella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1877. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Colorado and New Mexico. The species is characterized by distinctive forewing patterning with orange-yellow ground color and gray markings with brown-tipped projections. No information is available regarding its larval biology or host associations.
Gnorimoschema triocellella
A small gelechiid moth described by V.T. Chambers in 1877, characterized by three distinctive ocellated spots on the forewings. The species is known from scattered records across North America including Alberta, Colorado, Wyoming, Maine, and Kentucky. Its specific epithet 'triocellella' directly references the three eye-like wing markings that serve as key identification features.
Gnorimoschemini
Gnorimoschemini is a tribe of small moths within the subfamily Gelechiinae (family Gelechiidae). Members are generally small, narrow-winged moths with drab coloration. The tribe includes species with diverse larval habits, including gall inquilines that develop within pre-existing plant galls rather than inducing their own.
Helcystogramma
Helcystogramma is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1877. The genus contains approximately 93+ described species distributed almost worldwide, with highest diversity in Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably of malvaceous and convolvulaceous crops. Larvae are characterized by leaf-folding behavior, feeding within folded or rolled leaves.
Helcystogramma chambersella
Chambers' Twirler
Helcystogramma chambersella is a small gelechiid moth with a forewing length of 3.5–5 mm. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across a broad geographic range from Pennsylvania to California. Larvae feed on ragweeds (Ambrosia species), while adults are active from spring through late summer.
Helcystogramma hystricella
Lanceolate Helcystogramma Moth, Lanceolate Moth
A small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–15 mm, distributed across the eastern and central United States. The species name references its larval host plant Elymus hystrix (formerly Hystrix patula). Larvae are specialized grass feeders that roll leaves for shelter and overwintering.
Helcystogramma melantherella
A small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1900. Adults have distinctive dark, lustrous forewings with contrasting pale markings. Larvae feed on several plant species including Melanthera nivea, the plant genus referenced in the species epithet. The species occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States.
Holophysis emblemella
Holophysis emblemella is a small moth species in the family Gelechiidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from New York south to Florida and west to Wisconsin. The species is one of approximately 221 observations documented on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by observers. As with many gelechiid moths, detailed life history information remains limited.
Hypatima sp-two
Hypatima sp-two is an undescribed or provisionally designated species within the genus Hypatima, a diverse group of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. Species in this genus are generally characterized by narrow wings and often exhibit distinctive wing patterns useful for identification. The specific epithet "sp-two" indicates this taxon has not received a formal species description and is recognized by a working designation. As with many gelechiid moths, adults are likely nocturnal and larvae probably feed on plant material.
Isophrictis rudbeckiella
Isophrictis rudbeckiella is a gelechiid moth described by Bottimer in 1926. It is recorded from the south-central and midwestern United States, with a wingspan of 11.5–16 mm. The species is associated with Rudbeckia maxima, on which its larvae develop within flowerheads.
Isophrictis similiella
Isophrictis similiella is a small gelechiid moth described by V.T. Chambers in 1872. It is known from scattered localities across central and eastern North America. The species has a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. Larvae are documented to bore into the receptacles of Solanum carolinense (Carolina horsenettle) and the flowerheads of Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan).
Isophrictis striatella
white-border neb
Isophrictis striatella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of approximately 12 mm. It has a broad distribution across most of Europe, Turkey, and North America. Adults are active from mid-June through September. The larvae feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae family.
Keiferia glochinella
eggplant leafminer moth
Keiferia glochinella, known as the eggplant leafminer moth, is a small gelechiid moth native to the southwestern United States. Adults are grayish with variable mottling. The species is notable for its larval leaf-mining behavior on Solanum carolinense. Misidentifications have led to false records outside its confirmed western range.
Leucogoniella californica
Leucogoniella californica is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Keifer in 1930. It occurs in the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from California and Arizona. The species is one of at least two Leucogoniella species in the region that are difficult to distinguish based on wing pattern alone. Its biology remains poorly known, though it has been observed in large numbers during summer months.
Leucogoniella distincta
Leucogoniella distincta is a small gelechiid moth described by Keifer in 1935. It is known from California, with a wingspan of 7.5–9 mm. The species has been recorded at blacklighting events in the Davis, California area, where it occasionally appears in large numbers. Its larval biology remains poorly documented.
Litini
Litini is a tribe of small moths within the subfamily Gelechiinae (family Gelechiidae). Members are part of the diverse gelechioid fauna, a large group of microlepidoptera. The tribe contains multiple genera of generally inconspicuous moths. Many species remain poorly documented.
Megacraspedus plutella
Megacraspedus plutella is a small twirler moth (family Gelechiidae) described by V.T. Chambers in 1874. It is the only member of its genus known to occur north of Mexico, with records limited to the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive forewing coloration with creamy white margins against a dark gray-brown ground color.
Mesophleps
Mesophleps is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. The genus contains multiple species distributed across several continents. At least one species, Mesophleps adustipennis, has been documented feeding on Leucaena species (Fabaceae) in Honduras. The genus is taxonomically established with records from Europe and Central America.
Metopleura potosi
Metopleura potosi is a moth species in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Busck in 1912. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Metopleura. The species is known from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and has been documented in 29 iNaturalist observations. No detailed biological information has been published regarding its life history, host associations, or ecological role.
Metzneria lappella
Burdock Seedhead Moth, Burdock Seed Moth
A small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–19 mm, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. It is univoltine, with adults active in late spring and summer. The species is tightly associated with burdock plants (Arctium), where larvae feed on developing seeds.
Metzneria paucipunctella
spotted knapweed seed head moth
Metzneria paucipunctella is a gelechiid moth introduced from Europe to North America as a biological control agent against spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). Adults are small, narrow-bodied moths approximately 8 mm long with brownish-gray coloration, light speckling, and large recurved antennae. Females deposit eggs at the base of knapweed flower heads, where larvae burrow inside to feed on developing seeds and florets. Larvae are small white grubs with dark heads that overwinter within seed heads and pupate the following spring. The species has been established across much of the western United States since its introduction in 1980.
Mirificarma
Mirificarma is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Gozmány in 1955. The genus contains approximately 25 described species, organized into three species-groups based on morphological similarities: the montivaga, maculatella, and interruptella groups. Species are distributed across Europe, with records from Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and broader European ranges. Many species were originally described under other genera and later transferred to Mirificarma.
Mirificarma eburnella
Mirificarma eburnella is a small gelechiid moth with a Palearctic distribution, now established in California as an introduced species. It is associated with leguminous host plants and has been studied as a potential biological control agent for invasive clovers. Adults are active in spring and early summer.
Monochroa
Monochroa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Heinemann in 1870. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Palearctic region, with records from Europe, Siberia, and Japan. Several species have been described from Central European type localities including Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. Taxonomic revisions have moved some species to other genera, and new species continue to be described from underexplored regions such as the southern Ural Mountains and the south-western Alps.
Monochroa fragariae
strawberry crown miner moth
Monochroa fragariae is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1919. The species is known from the Pacific Northwest of North America, specifically Oregon and British Columbia. Its common name derives from its association with strawberry plants, where the larvae mine the root crowns. The species is one of relatively few in the genus Monochroa with documented host plant relationships.