Archips packardiana (Fernald) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)
Common name: spring spruce needle moth, spruce needleworm
FWL: 7.5–9.5 mm
Head and thorax gray to gray brown; forewing with ground color brown to dark gray, fasciae slightly irregular, white or pale gray, suffused with darker gray scales in portions; male with costal fold absent; hindwing brown.
Male genitalia characterized by rounded valvae, slightly irregular saccular margin; moderate, finger-like uncus; pistol-shaped phallus. Female genitalia characterized by large, bowl-like sterigma; long, membranous ductus bursae; and hook-like signum with well-developed capitulum.
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..
Mature larva approximately 18–22 mm in length; width of head 1.1–1.6 mm. Head of living larva pale green with black pigmentation laterally; prothoracic shield with dark lateral pigmentation; body, legs green. Preserved larva with green fading to pale yellow to brown; anal fork moderately to poorly developed. SV group on A1, 2, 7, 8, 9 usually 3:3:3:2:2.
A more complete description of larval chaetotaxy is available in MacKay (1962a)MacKay (1962a):
MacKay, M. R. 1962a. Larvae of the North American Tortricinae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Canadian Entomologist, Supplement 28: 1-182..
The forewing pattern of Archips packardiana, with strongly contrasting dark brown and white fasciae, is distinct among most North American Archips. Only A. tsuganus is likely to be confused. Males of both A. packardiana and A. tsuganus lacks a forewing costal fold.
Three rarely collected species of Pandemis (P. borealis, P. coniferana, and P. morrisana) can look superficially similar to A. packadiana. These three species possess a subtle antennal notch, but examination of the genitalia may be required in some instances.
Archips packardiana is widespread in the northern United States and Canada, ranging from Newfoundland and Maine, south as far as northern Ohio, and west to British Columbia and Washington.
The following account is summarized from Freeman (1958)Freeman (1958):
Freeman, T. N. 1958. The Archipinae of North America (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Canadian Entomologist, Supplement 7 (Vol. 90): 1-89. and MacKay (1962a)MacKay (1962a):
MacKay, M. R. 1962a. Larvae of the North American Tortricinae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Canadian Entomologist, Supplement 28: 1-182..
After overwintering as early instars, larvae are miners in needles of spruce (Picea spp.), fir (Abies spp.), and larch (Larix spp.), usually feeding throughout May. Later instars web needles together, feeding on them as well as buds. Pupation often occurs in this webbing. Adults eclose in June into early July, suggesting a single generation per year.
View full screen host table here
Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
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