About Frumenta nundinella (Zeller, 1873)
Frumenta nundinella is a species of moth in the Gelechiidae family. It was first described by Zeller in 1873. This moth is found in North America, with confirmed records across the eastern half of the United States. Its wingspan measures approximately 24 millimeters. The forewings are pale buff or cream-colored, with ochreous shading, a sparse scattering of blackish scales, and numerous, rather poorly defined blackish or dark steel gray markings. The hindwings are silky ash-gray with a subtle iridescent sheen. The larvae of Frumenta nundinella feed on Solanum carolinense. The larvae fold the plant’s terminal leaves into round, hollow balls; each of these structures forms a shelter for a single larva, which feeds on the plant’s incipient flower buds and the folded inner edges of the young tender leaves.
