Variable Nigranum Moth - Olethreutes nigranum

It was around 8 mm long. The appearance of this species is highly variable. This particular moth was tan with dark brown markings.

Attracted to a moth light in a rural area.

comments (8)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

This looks familiar....Lemme think! Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Yay, think think thinkedy think... Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
    
    Lion
    
    Kind of looks like a leafroller like Argyrotaenia sp., but I dunno. :/ Gonna have to go look! Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Olethreutes-lacunana
      
      Looks close but when comparing to other images of said species, I'm thinking this reference may actually be misidentified, just a gut feeling. Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Thanks for the link! I'm thinking either Olethreutes nitidana or Olethreutes lacunana. But, I'm leaning towards Olethreutes nitidana because the host for that species is maple, which is common in my area. The host for O. lacunana is Blue ridge blueberry, which I have never seen around here, although I know it grows somewhere in CT. Posted 7 years ago
      2. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Logically, that makes sense. The only thing I'm struggling with is the visual match. For both species candidates, the only photo I found to really match your photo is that Lacuna moth. But as said, it's possible misidentified and the host plant does not match. I'm not sure how variable these moth species are.
        
        Staying neutral on this one :) Posted 7 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Honestly, I have no idea. There seems to be quite a bit of variability as neither is a perfect match. Or, maybe mine is a bit worn. I don't know. I only lean towards nitidana because of the larval host...But, I also agree that lacuna is a better physical match. Posted 7 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I just got an ID for this moth - it's Olethreutes nigranum, which is highly variable in appearance. Posted 7 years ago

The Variable nigranum

''Olethreutes nigranum'', the variable nigranum, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae.
The MONA or Hodges number for ''Olethreutes nigranum'' is 2800.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Christine Young