Potato Tuberworm Moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) | Butterflies and Moths of North America

Family: Gelechiidae

Subfamily: Gelechiinae

Identification: Antennae ringed with black and gray. Forewing gray with orange-yellow to brown streaks, heaviest in upper forewing except in terminal area. Hindwing gray with long fringe.

Wing Span: 1.2-1.9 cm.

Life History: Larva (Potato Tuberworm) feeds on leaves, stems and fruits of nightshade family and can be a pest of stored potatoes and tobacco.

Flight: A continuous breeder in all months when protected from cold.

Caterpillar Hosts: Nightshade.

Adult Food:

Habitat:

Range: Throughout eastern North America. Introduced from South America.

Conservation:

NCGR: Not listed

Management Needs:

Comments: NULL

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