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Western Spruce Budworm Moth

Choristoneura occidentalis

The Western Spruce Budworm Moth is a small, fuzzy moth that loves to hide in trees. It has beautiful brown and gray wings that help it blend in with its forest home.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Spruce Budworm Moth has mottled grey-brown forewings, often with indistinct dark spots or bands, and pale hindwings. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage, making it blend seamlessly with tree bark and dried foliage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyTortricidaeGenusChoristoneura
Western Spruce Budworm Moth
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Western Spruce Budworm Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Huge outbreaks can make entire forests appear reddish-brown, as if they are scorched!

Sometimes, millions of these tiny moths will fly at once, appearing like a living cloud!

The caterpillars chew tunnels into tree buds, then feast on the growing needles inside.

Their populations naturally boom and bust, sometimes causing outbreaks for a decade!

Special abilities

Ability

Stealthy Camouflage

Western Spruce Budworm Moth has mottled grey-brown wings that help them blend seamlessly into tree bark, avoiding predators.

Ability

Pheromone Navigator

Western Spruce Budworm Moth can release special scents (pheromones) that help them find mates from a distance, ensuring reproduction.

Ability

Egg Strategist

Western Spruce Budworm Moth can lay clusters of eggs on conifer needles, allowing new larvae to emerge directly onto their food source.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-30 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
10-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat tree buds and needles; adult moths do not feed.

Age differences: Larvae consume tree foliage and buds; adult moths do not feed.

Primary Foods

  • Picea engelmannii
  • Abies grandis
  • Pseudotsuga menziesii
  • Larix occidentalis

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These moths are not harmful, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Western Spruce Budworm Moth's wingspan?

20-30 mm

How big is Western Spruce Budworm Moth?

8-12 mm

How long does Western Spruce Budworm Moth live?

10-14 days

What does Western Spruce Budworm Moth eat?

Larvae eat tree buds and needles; adult moths do not feed.

Where is Western Spruce Budworm Moth usually found?

Forests

How does Western Spruce Budworm Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Western Spruce Budworm Moth have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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