Species introCountry intro
The Redbud Leaffolder (Fascista cercerisella)
Sign/Track:
This moth has larvae that fold and bind leaves together with their silk (possibly for protection?). They eventually skeletonize the leaves of the Redbud (Cercis canadensis). I keep checking these folded leaves for a glimpse of the striking larvae, but I have been too late every time! Crossing my fingers I have some luck soon!
And, yes, there is a leaf spot fungus here too!
Update: Found a larva!
''Fascista cercerisella'' is a moth of the family Gelechiidae. It is found in the United States from Pennsylvania and Maryland, south to Florida, west to Texas, north to Kansas.
The wingspan is 13–16 mm. Adults are on wing from April to October in the south. The flight season is shorter in the northern part of the range. There is one generation per year in the north, possibly two in the south.
