RETICULATED DECANTHA MOTH
Decantha boreasella
CONCEALER MOTHS (Oecophoridae)
The Reticulated Decantha Moth has a wingspan of approximately 1/2 inch (10-15 mm). The head is dark brown. The palpi are reddish-brown and curve up over the head. The thorax is golden yellow. The forewing is dark brown with 4 golden patches outlined with white and connecting to a lower center patch. The hindwings are brown. The fringe is flared and is golden-yellow. The legs are striped black and white. The caterpillar is translucent white, with a yellow-brown head and cervical shield.
The frequency of occurrence in our area is not known. It was photographed on June, 15, 2016 coming to moth lights in Acorn Acres in Fontenelle Forest. It ranges in the eastern half of the U.S from Wisconsin to Maine south of Florida and west to Texas and also Ontario, Canada. Most sightings are from May through July.
The larvae of most Concealer Moths feed on dead leaves and fungi. The larvae usually feed concealed in webs or tied leaves of the food plant. There are 42 species in 23 genera in 2 subfamilies in North America.
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