# Red-banded Leafroller Moth (*Argyrotaenia velutinana*) The Red-banded Leafroller Moth is a small, colorful moth with beautiful red bands on its wings. It loves to hide in gardens and fields, making it a fun surprise to find! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 8 - **Habitat:** Gardens and fields ![Red-banded Leafroller Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Argyrotaenia_velutinana_larva.jpg&width=800) Photo: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, CC BY 3.0 us · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Argyrotaenia_velutinana_larva.jpg) ## Appearance The Red-banded Leafroller Moth is a small, stout-bodied moth with a wingspan of 12-25mm. Its forewings are mottled in shades of reddish-brown, cream, and gray, distinctly marked with a broad, darker reddish-brown band across the middle. The hindwings are dull gray. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Tortricidae - **Genus:** Argyrotaenia ## Interesting facts - A female moth can lay hundreds of tiny eggs in her short life! - Its caterpillars can chew through tough apple skins with ease! - The adult moths often emerge from their cocoons in just a few weeks. - They communicate using special scents called pheromones to find mates! ## Special abilities - **Leaf Roll Architect:** Red-banded Leafroller Moth can roll up leaves because of their silk-spinning ability that helps them create sheltered homes. - **Overwintering Warrior:** Red-banded Leafroller Moth can survive cold winters because its eggs or larvae can enter a dormant state that helps them endure harsh conditions. - **Plant Menu Master:** Red-banded Leafroller Moth has a flexible diet that helps its caterpillars eat leaves from many different types of plants. - **Camouflage Cloak:** Red-banded Leafroller Moth has mottled wings that help them blend perfectly with tree bark and dried leaves. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 12-25 mm - **Size:** 8-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 10-14 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Young caterpillars eat leaves and fruits, while adults might sip nectar or not feed at all. - **Age differences:** Caterpillars munch on plant leaves and fruits, while adult moths may only drink nectar or not feed. - **Primary Foods:** Malus domestica, Prunus persica, Pyrus communis, Quercus rubra, Acer rubrum ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Apple Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/apple-tree) (*Malus domestica*) — Its larvae feed on leaves and fruit. - **Eats:** [Peach Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/peach-tree) (*Prunus persica*) — Caterpillars cause damage to peach crops. - **Parasitizes:** Parasitic Wasp (*Trichogramma pretiosum*) — Tiny wasps lay eggs inside the moth's eggs. - **Eats:** Pear Tree (*Pyrus communis*) — Larvae can damage pear foliage and fruit. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's safe to watch moths, but don't touch them as they can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Red-banded Leafroller Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Red-banded Leafroller Moth's wingspan? 12-25 mm ### How big is Red-banded Leafroller Moth? 8-10 mm ### How long does Red-banded Leafroller Moth live? 10-14 days ### What does Red-banded Leafroller Moth eat? Young caterpillars eat leaves and fruits, while adults might sip nectar or not feed at all. ### Where is Red-banded Leafroller Moth usually found? Gardens and fields ### How many legs does Red-banded Leafroller Moth have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Oak Ridge Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/oak-ridge-historic-district) — Tennessee, US · Historic District - [River Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/river-park) — Illinois, US · Park - [Sauganash Trail](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sauganash-trail) — Illinois, US · Trail - [Brookfield Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brookfield-zoo) — Illinois, US · Zoo - [Adkins Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/adkins-arboretum) — Maryland, US · Botanical Garden - [Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/elkins-coal-and-coke-company-historic-district) — West Virginia, US · Historic District [View all places to see Red-banded Leafroller Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/red-banded-leafroller-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Red-banded Leafroller Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-banded-leafroller-moth)