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The Redbud Leaffolder (Fascista cercerisella) Larva 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). You can see the start of this on this particular leaf.<br /> <br /> I was so excited to finally find some of the larvae (one of them got away before I could photograph it)! These tiny larvae were way faster crawlers than I expected! :O<br /> <figure class="photo"><a href="https://www.jungledragon.com/image/83390/the_redbud_leaffolder_fascista_cercerisella.html" title="The Redbud Leaffolder (Fascista cercerisella)"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.jungledragon.com/images/3231/83390_thumb.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=05GMT0V3GWVNE7GGM1R2&Expires=1759968010&Signature=pxgX64RyMdJLkNJhiL5jyILtxqo%3D" width="200" height="134" alt="The Redbud Leaffolder (Fascista cercerisella) Sign/Track:<br /> 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!<br /> <br /> And, yes, there is a leaf spot fungus here too!<br /> Update: Found a larva!<br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/83417/the_redbud_leaffolder_fascista_cercerisella_larva.html Fascista cercerisella,Geotagged,Summer,United States" /></a></figure> Fascista cercerisella,Geotagged,Redbud Leaffolder,Summer,United States Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

The Redbud Leaffolder (Fascista cercerisella) Larva

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). You can see the start of this on this particular leaf.

I was so excited to finally find some of the larvae (one of them got away before I could photograph it)! These tiny larvae were way faster crawlers than I expected! :O

The Redbud Leaffolder (Fascista cercerisella) Sign/Track:<br /> 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!<br /> <br /> And, yes, there is a leaf spot fungus here too!<br /> Update: Found a larva!<br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/83417/the_redbud_leaffolder_fascista_cercerisella_larva.html Fascista cercerisella,Geotagged,Summer,United States

    comments (3)

  1. View Christine Young's profile
    Christine Young
    Lion
    View Lion class
    What a cutie!! Posted 6 years ago
    1. View Flown Kimmerling's profile
      Flown Kimmerling
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Thanks! And ooooh, zoom in to the left of the cat! Is that an early instar one?
      https://bugguide.net/node/view/274025       Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
      1. View Christine Young's profile
        Christine Young
        Lion
        View Lion class
        Gasp!! Awesomeness!! Posted 6 years ago

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The Redbud Leaffolder

''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.

Info 4 0
Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by Flown Kimmerling
View Flown Kimmerling's profile

By Flown Kimmerling

All rights reserved
Uploaded Aug 21, 2019. Captured Aug 21, 2019 12:10 in 234 Oakman Rd NE, Ranger, GA 30734, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,948 9,641 8
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • f/5.6
  • 1/181s
  • ISO100
  • 100mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.

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