Maple twig borer moth

Maple twig borer moth is a small leafroller moth. It occurs from coast to coast in the United States and Canada. It is most common east of the Great Plains.

The color and pattern of the forewings are variable. The forewings are mottled and pale olive green on newly emerged individuals, soon turning gray or brown. They have a lumpy appearance due to tufts of raised scales. There are numerous short, dark streaks on the leading edge (costal margin). There is a conspicuous, broad, blackish, crescent-shaped marking that starts on the costal margin before the middle and extends toward the wing tip. It either ends in a blob before reaching the wing tip, or is interrupted in the subterminal area but continues to the wing tip.

The larva often kill the twigs that they bore into. Their presence can be recognized by noting dead and drooping leaves at the end of a twig.

Total length: 5 ⁄16″ (8 mm)

Wingspan: 9 ⁄16″ to ⅝″ (14 to 17 mm)

Deciduous woodlands. Maple

One generation per year: April to October

Adults are active at night and will come to lights.

Larva overwinter in buds and bore into twigs in the spring.

Silver maple, sugar maple, boxelder, and probably other maples; possibly also buckeye and apple.

Maple Twig Borer (Proteoteras aesculana)
Carl Barrentine