Pine Shoot Moth vs Zela Metalmark
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pine Shoot Moth | Zela Metalmark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhyacionia buoliana | Emesis zela |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tortricidae | Riodinidae |
| Size | 18-24 mm wingspan | 25-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) | Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pine Shoot Moth
A small bright orange moth with silver-grey crosslines on the forewings. Its larvae bore into the terminal shoots of young pine trees, causing deformity.
Did You Know?
Attacked trees develop a characteristic 'posthorn' bend from the distorted leader shoot.
Zela Metalmark
A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.
Did You Know?
It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.