Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186
Epiblema scudderiana
This record describes Epiblema scudderiana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Description in PDF: Rests with wings rolled around body in shape of cylinder; basal third is dark brown or black, middle third is off-white, distal third is light bluish-gray; series of short diagonal stripes along outer third of costa, more pronounced toward apex. [adapted from description by Lynn Scott . The larvae of this species have been studied for their cold-hardiness. As the temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius and below, larvae produce glycerol to protect themselves from freezing. Epiblema scudderiana is winter host for 12 parasites, (6 Ichneumonids, 4 Braconids, 1 Eupelmid, and 1 Tachinid).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Eucosmini
- Genus
- Epiblema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Found throughout eastern North America. ( 3 ) , ( 4 ) , ( 5 ) , ( 6 ) , ( 7 ) , ( 8 ) , ( 9 ) California(?) ( 3 ) Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data. Type locality: Massachusetts (S.H. Scudder).
Seasonal Activity
Main flight of adults is March to September. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on Solidago L. (goldenrod). ( 10 ) Gall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet in honor of Samuel Hubbard Scudder (1837-1911) who collected the specimens.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Epiblema scudderiana. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , anitagould , Maury Heiman , John Schneider , marcie oconnor , Randy Hardy , Blocky
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186
What is Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186?
Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186 (Epiblema scudderiana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186?
Wingspan 20-22 mm. ( 3 )
How do you identify Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186?
Description in PDF: Rests with wings rolled around body in shape of cylinder; basal third is dark brown or black, middle third is off-white, distal third is light bluish-gray; series of short diagonal stripes along outer third of costa, more pronounced toward apex. [adapted from description by Lynn Scott .
Where is Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186 found?
Range: Found throughout eastern North America. ( 3 ) , ( 4 ) , ( 5 ) , ( 6 ) , ( 7 ) , ( 8 ) , ( 9 ) California(?) ( 3 ) Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data. Type locality: Massachusetts (S.H. Scudder).
What does Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186 eat?
The diet of the Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186 includes Larvae feed on Solidago L. (goldenrod). ( 10 ) Gall.
When is Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186 active?
Goldenrod Gall Moth - Hodges#3186: seasonal activity - Main flight of adults is March to September. ( 3 ).