Caloptilia paradoxum

(Frey & Boll, 1873)

Sort #: 257 | P #: 330190 | MPG #: 622
| View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link

Larval feeding type: Initially a leaf-miner, then in a tight leaf-cone. The larva eats a row of small holes along the outside edge of the cone.
Larval substrate: Quercus alba* (White Oak), Quercus ilicifolia* (Scrub Oak), Quercus rubra* (Northern Red Oak)
Phenology: Adult: 11/17 to 5/26 (31 records)

Comment: Described from Cambridge, MA; 627 Povolnya quercinigrella (Ely, 1915) was described from East River, CT and appears to be a synonym (both under BOLD:AAE7347). The species has a single generation, larvae being found mostly in June and July. Ely states that his adults emerged in September. The adult appears to overwinter and is most often found in the Spring.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, very common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1871
Last Year Reported: 2025

Distribution by County: Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket
Number of Records: 51