Framinghamia helvalis

(Walker, 1859)

Sort #: 1541 | P #: 800925 | MPG #: 5262
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Larval feeding type: Young larva feeds from a black frass-covered silken tube attached to the underside of leaves, starting from the midrib. A second, larger tube is then constructed near the edge of a leaf, from which the larva spins a silken web across the underside of the leaf, thereby also pulling over the edge of the leaf. Up to this point, the larva skeletonizes the leaf underside. Finally, older larvae feed from within shelters formed of terminal leaves spun together. The fully grown larvae of the second generation overwinter in neatly-made leaf-packets which fall to the ground.
Larval substrate: Populus tremuloides* (Trembling Aspen), Populus grandidentata* (Bigtooth Aspen), Salix occidentalis* (Dwarf Prairie Willow), Salix purpurea* (Basket Willow), Salix nigra (Black Willow)
Phenology: Adult: 5/25 to 7/09 and 7/19 to 9/27 (41 records)

Comment: Genus and synonym F. botys described from a specimen from Framingham, MA

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1901
Last Year Reported: 2025

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 57