Archips argyrospila

Status

NATIVE

DOMESTIC SURVEY

Taxonomy

Archips argyrospila (Walker) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)

Common names: fruit-tree leaf roller, apple leaf roller

Synonyms: furvana (Tortrix), vsignatana (Tortrix)

Subspecies: A. argyrospila columbiana (British Columbia), A. argyrospila vividana (Colorado)

Adult Recognition

FWL: 6.0–10.2 mm (male); 8.5–11.7 mm (female)

Forewing color is a variable combination of reddish brown, dark brown, and tan. The majority of individuals have two contrasting triangular to semi-rectangular pale-tan patches on the costa. Females are generally lighter in color than males. Males have a forewing costal fold.

The names associated with Archips argyrospila are considered a species complex by some authors. This group includes A. eleagnana, A. goyerana, A. mortuana, A. myricana, and two subspecies (A. a. columbiana and A. a. vividana). According to Freeman (1958)Freeman (1958):
Freeman, T. N. 1958. The Archipinae of North America (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Canadian Entomologist, Supplement 7 (Vol. 90): 1-89., genitalic characters for the group include an aedeagus with hooked apex and two long cornuti in the male and a bulbous sterigma and antrum in the female.

Larval Morphology

The following account is summarized from MacKay (1962a)MacKay (1962a):
MacKay, M. R. 1962a. Larvae of the North American Tortricinae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Canadian Entomologist, Supplement 28: 1-182..

Last instar larvae are 15–24 mm in length with a translucent green or gray abdomen. The head is reddish brown to dark brown and may be mottled in some individuals; head markings are too variable to be diagnostic. The prothoracic shield is amber with brown lateral shading. The prothoracic legs are brown or black; the thoracic legs are pale and unmarked.

For a more detailed account of larval chaetotaxy, see MacKay (1962a).

Similar Species

Adults of Archips argyrospila could easily be confused with several other species of Archips, although none are as common as A. argyrospila and are often restricted to a single host. These species include A. eleagnana (Eleagnus), A. goyerana (Taxodium), A. mortuana (multiple hosts), A. myricana (Myrica), A. negundana (Acer negundo), and A. semiferanus (primarily Quercus). Identification may often require a genitalic dissection.

Late instar A. argyrospila larvae may be confused with larvae of Choristoneura rosaceana and other Archips species.

Distribution

Archips argyrospila is native to North America and is found throughout the continental United States and southern Canada.

Biology

The following account is summarized from Herrick and Leiby (1915)Herrick and Leiby (1915):
Herrick, G. W., Leiby, R. W. 1915. The fruit-tree leaf roller. Bulletin of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station. 367: 1-32. and 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..

Archips argyrospila completes a single generation per year. In Texas and along the Gulf Coast, adults are present from late March to early May. Further north, adults are active from May to July.

Eggs are laid in masses on the twigs of the host and covered by the female with a substance that hardens to create a smooth, hard surface. Eggs do not hatch until the following year. First instar larvae hatch in late Februrary to mid May depending on temperature and bore into buds. Later instars roll or tie leaves together or to fruit and partially emerge from the shelter to feed. Larvae may feed on leaves, flowers, buds, or fruits of the host. Pupation occurs within the larval shelter and adults eclose in 10–12 days. The adult flight period lasts approximately three weeks.

During the first half of the 20th century, outbreaks of A. argyrospila would completely defoliate large areas of vegetation. The species was brought under control with the introduction of pesticides in the mid-1950s.

Archips argyrospila has been recorded from a long list of plants, many of which are not primary hosts. Under outbreak conditions the larvae feed on any plant near the primary host, and the following host list contains both primary and incidental hosts.

Plant Associations

View full screen host table here

Links

Additional photos and distribution map in North America available at Moth Photographers Group.