Acleris flavivittana (Clemens) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Tortricini)
Common names: masked leaf roller
Synonyms: perspicuana (Teras)
FWL: 7.5–10.0 mm
The forewing pattern is variable, with ground color varying from dark gray to brown, red, or black. The dorsal margin is pale yellow or white in some individuals. Males lack a forewing costal fold.
Male genitalia are characterized by uncus reduced; socii quadrate, lobe-like; valvae elongate with well-developed sacculus with shallow ventral excavation. Female genitalia characterized by sterigma with large, deep anterolateral lobes; scobinate signum present in the corpus bursae.
The following account is summarized from Chapman and Lienk (1971)Chapman and Lienk (1971):
Chapman, P. J., Lienk, S. E. 1971. Tortricid fauna of apple in New York (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae); including an account of apple's occurrence in the state, especially as a naturalized plant. Spec. Publ. Geneva, NY: New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. 122 pp..
Last instar larvae are 12–17 mm in length. The head is dark brown ventrally and light brown dorsally, although the degree of contrast between the two halves can vary. Other diagnostic features of the larvae include the prothoracic shield, which is shaded posterolaterally with dark brown to black and the thoracic legs, with are dark on the prothorax and pale on the other two segments.
Some forms of Acleris flavivittana are very similar to forms of several other species of Acleris treated on this site, such as A. pulverosana, A. robinsoniana, and A. senescens. A genitalic dissection may be necessary to identify any of these species.
Acleris flavivittana occurs in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. It has also been recorded from North Carolina.
Life history information is not well documented. Chapman and Lienk (1971)Chapman and Lienk (1971):
Chapman, P. J., Lienk, S. E. 1971. Tortricid fauna of apple in New York (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae); including an account of apple's occurrence in the state, especially as a naturalized plant. Spec. Publ. Geneva, NY: New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. 122 pp. suggest that only one generation is produced in the northeastern United States. Larvae complete development in late July to late August, and adults are present August and September. Overwintering probably occurs as a mid-instar larva. Larvae feed between two leaves, skeletonizing the top surface of one the leaves. Larvae will feed on apples (Malus spp.) if given an opportunity, although this species has not been recorded damaging cultivated apples.
In addition to apple, Acleris flavivittana has been recorded feeding on pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica).
View full screen host table here
Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
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