Leaf-shelter
Guides
Catastega timidella
Oak Trumpet Skeletonizer Moth
Catastega timidella is a small tortricid moth in the tribe Eucosmini. The common name references larval feeding behavior that produces distinctive trumpet-shaped shelters on oak leaves. Records indicate a transcontinental distribution across northern North America. Adult moths are active during summer months.
Epargyreus
Silverdrops, Flasher butterflies
Epargyreus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as silverdrops or flasher butterflies. The genus name derives from Greek argyros meaning 'silver,' referring to the characteristic white spot on the ventral hindwing. Species occur across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, with the best-known species being Epargyreus clarus (silver-spotted skipper), which ranges from southern Canada through the United States to South America. Larvae construct distinctive leaf shelters using silk and are known for 'frass-shooting' behavior—expelling excrement up to 40 times their body length away from their shelters.
Epargyreus clarus
Silver-spotted Skipper
Epargyreus clarus, commonly known as the silver-spotted skipper, is one of the largest and most widespread skippers in North America. Adults are readily identified by a prominent silver-white patch on the ventral surface of each hindwing. The species is multivoltine, with one to four generations per year depending on latitude, and exhibits strikingly higher pupal mortality during summer generations compared to overwintering generations. Larvae construct elaborate silk-lashed leaf shelters that provide limited protection from predators.
Omphalocera munroei
Asimina Webworm Moth, Pawpaw Webworm Moth
A pyralid moth species in the subfamily Galleriinae, known for its specialized association with pawpaw (Asimina) species. Larvae are group-feeding and construct leaf shelters. The species has been studied for its clustered oviposition behavior and gregarious larval development.
Psilocorsis cryptolechiella
Black-fringed Leaftier Moth, Black-fringed Psilocorsis Moth, Beech Leaftier
Psilocorsis cryptolechiella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae known for its distinctive larval behavior of tying leaves together to form shelters. The species is primarily associated with beech trees (Fagus species) and has been documented across the eastern and central United States. Adults are modest in appearance with a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. The larvae create characteristic leaf shelters by binding leaves together with silk, earning the species its common names.
Psilocorsis quercicella
oak leaftier moth, oak leaf-tying psilocorsis moth
Psilocorsis quercicella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae whose larvae construct leaf shelters by tying oak leaves together. The species is known from the eastern and central United States. Larvae skeletonize oak leaves and serve as prey for parasitoid wasps, including mason wasps in the genus Ancistrocerus. The moth has been observed to have a community of parasitoid species attacking its larval stage.
Rectiostoma xanthobasis
Yellow-vested Moth
Rectiostoma xanthobasis is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1876. It is distinguished by striking yellow and dark brown wing patterning that gives rise to its common name. The species is endemic to eastern North America, with larvae that feed on oak leaves from within silk-constructed shelters.