Fauna
Insect

Acorn Moth

Blastobasis glandulella

Acorn moth larvae bore into fallen nuts across temperate woodlands, feeding extensively on the nutrient-rich interior and packing vacated cavities with granular frass. Adults are cryptically patterned micro-moths that blend seamlessly against rough tree bark during the day, taking flight only after dusk. By accelerating the decomposition of hard oak mast, these tiny insects free up nutrients on the forest floor while serving as forage for canopy-dwelling insectivores.

NocturnalWoodlandCryptic
Acorn Moth reference1 / 7
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAcorn meat, Chestnuts, Walnut meat
Predators
  • Insectivorous birds
  • Bats
  • Spiders
ThreatsBroadcast forest pesticide application and severe canopy loss from deforestation.
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, mixed oak forests, parks, and suburban woodlots.
Life span1 year total (larval and pupal stages span most of life; adults live 1–2 weeks)
Classification
  1. FamilyBlastobasidae
  2. SpeciesBlastobasis glandulella
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Light Stations: Set up an ultraviolet lamp and white bedsheet on warm summer nights to draw adults for close viewing.
  • Check Fallen Nuts: Inspect fallen acorns with small drill holes to locate developing caterpillars inside.
Related species
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