Choristoneura
ExploreInsects
Choristoneura
Choristoneura
Choristoneura is a type of moth that can be found in many places. They have beautiful wings and are important for nature because they help pollinate flowers.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Choristoneura moth has mottled wings, typically grey-brown with darker spots or bands, which form a bell-shape when at rest. Its body is stout and covered in fine hairs. This camouflage helps it blend seamlessly with tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyTortricidaeGenusChoristoneura
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
A single outbreak can strip millions of acres of forest bare!
Some moth species mimic their bark background perfectly for camouflage.
Their populations explode every few decades, causing huge forest changes.
They spend almost a year as tiny caterpillars, hidden and growing.
Special abilities
Ability
Forest Defoliator
Choristoneura larvae can devour conifer needles, causing widespread tree damage and altering forest ecosystems.
Ability
Silk Drifter
Newly hatched larvae produce fine silk threads to catch the wind, allowing them to disperse to new trees.
Ability
Hibernation Expert
Young larvae overwinter in tiny silken shelters (hibernacula) on trees, surviving harsh cold until spring.
Ability
Population Surger
Choristoneura has populations that can explode, sometimes stripping millions of acres of forest.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Young caterpillars eat the needles of conifer trees.
Age differences: Adults do not feed; larvae are voracious defoliators of tree needles.
Primary Foods
- Balsam fir needles
- White spruce needles
- Black spruce needles
- Tamarack needles
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
White Spruce
Picea glauca
Larvae defoliate needles, causing stress and mortality to trees.
eats
Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea
Highly preferred host, experiencing severe defoliation during outbreaks.
eaten by
Cape May Warbler
Dendroica tigrina
Bird populations surge during budworm outbreaks, feeding on larvae.
parasitizes
Spruce Budworm Parasitoid
Glypta fumiferanae
A parasitic wasp that lays its eggs inside budworm larvae.
eaten by
Black-backed Woodpecker
Picoides arcticus
Feeds on larvae and pupae within the bark of infested trees.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Choristoneura's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Choristoneura?
10-15 mm
How long does Choristoneura live?
10-14 days
What does Choristoneura eat?
Young caterpillars eat the needles of conifer trees.
Where is Choristoneura usually found?
Forests
How does Choristoneura hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Choristoneura have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_male_Dry_Sandford.jpg&width=800)
_(14502759275).jpg&width=800)
.jpg&width=800)