Leafroller Moths come in all sorts of colors and patterns, but almost all have larvae that like to swaddle themselves.
Leafroller Moths tend to overlap their forewings when they are resting. A fringe runs along the base of the wings, which may form a straight line across the bottom. Waves of color cover some species; others have vein-like patterns or mottling on the forewings. Almost all adults are nocturnal and will come to lights at night.
The caterpillar is known for crawling onto a leaf and rolling itself up inside. Caterpillar silk secures a curve as the larva rotates the leaf into position. There it can hide from the eyes of birds and other predators. When the leaf dies, the pupating caterpillar falls with it to the ground. Leafrollers are common in warm states like Florida, but there are species found in every part of the continent.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Tortricidae
Genus:Various
Species:spp.
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Various spp.
Other Name(s): Budworm (caterpillar)
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 14mm to 25mm (0.55in to 0.98in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown, purple, tan, ivory
