Celery Leaftier Moth
Udea rubigalis
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyCrambidae
HabitatFields, gardens, and open woods across North America
SeasonMultiple broods; flies most of the year in the South
LocationFair Play, South Carolina, Oconee County, South Carolina
Size0.7-0.8 inch wingspan
DietCaterpillars feed on celery, beets, and many garden plants
ConservationNot evaluated; common
CameraNikon Z9Lens400mmAperturef/8Shutter1/400ISO800
This Celery Leaftier Moth was posing tiny and perfect at Fair Play.
About the Celery Leaftier Moth
The Celery Leaftier Moth is a small tan moth with delicate rust-brown scrollwork across its wings, named for its caterpillar's habit of tying leaves together with silk to make a shelter, often on celery and other garden crops.
Adults are easy to overlook: barely three-quarters of an inch across, they rest with wings spread flat in a neat triangle, usually low in vegetation. Through a macro lens, the wing pattern turns out to be surprisingly intricate.
This one was photographed at Fair Play, South Carolina, during a spring visit, proof that the camera comes out even on family trips.
Want to see a Celery Leaftier Moth in the wild?
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.
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