Bucculatrix simulans

Description

Bucculatrix simulans is a moth in the family Bucculatricidae. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from Texas to Iowa and Ohio. The wingspan is 9.5–10 mm. The forewings are white, with ocherous markings with brown-tipped scales in darker specimens. The hindwings are pale ocherous. Adults have been recorded on wing from January to July. The larvae feed on Helianthus species. They create a stem gall. The galls are somewhat variable in shape often appearing as a swelling on the side of the stem. The larvae are full-grown in fall, overwintering in the larval stage within the gall. Pupation takes place in a white to light grey cocoon.