Acleris nivisellana (Walsingham) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Tortricini)
Common names: apple leaf twister
FWL: 6.0–7.5 mm
The following forewing pattern elements are consistent across most individuals: ground color white; large dark brown to black, triangular costal patch; brownish-yellow patch extending from the costal patch to the dorsal margin; and large patch of dark-brown to black on distal one-third of the wing. Males lack a forewing costal fold.
Male genitalia are characterized by an obsolete uncus; moderate, broad socii; and trapezoidal valvae with a produced apex. Female genitalia are characterized by a sterigma with two long, anteriorly directed lobes and a long, scobinate signum 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..
Mid to late instar larvae are approximately 9–16 mm long. Abdominal color varies, while the head is brown to dark brown posteriorly and dark brown to black anteriorly. The prothoracic shield has two large posterolateral black spots, one on each side, and is otherwise concolorous with the abdomen.
Acleris nivisellana can appear similar in forewing pattern to certain forms of other Acleris species, such as A. forbesana and A. variegana. Most other similar species lack the large patch of dark scales on the distal one-third of the wing that is found in A. nivisellana.
Acleris nivisellana is distributed from the Northeastern United States across southern Canada to British Columbia and south to California. In the United States it is found as far south as North Carolina, Nebraska, and Oregon.
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..
Acleris nivisellana appears to complete two generations per year, with adults present in June and again in mid-August and September. Larval feeding occurs in a silken chamber on the lower surface of leaves along the midrib. Larvae skeletonize the leaves and may partly sever the midrib, causing injured leaves to have a characteristic twisted appearance. Larvae have not been recorded feeding on fruit or other parts of the plant.
This species has been recorded feeding on various plants in the family Rosaceae.
View full screen host table here
Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
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