Archips semiferanus (Walker) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)
Common names: oak leafroller
Synonyms: flaccidana (Tortrix)
FWL: 8.5–11.5 mm
Forewings are pale golden brown with variable reddish-brown markings. A broad, reddish-brown median fascia is continuous from the costa to the dorum in many individuals. In other individuals the fasciae are a subdued pale golden brown. The hindwings are light brown. Males have a forewing costal fold. The ventral surface of the female abdomen is covered in dark purplish-gray scales that are used to cover the egg masses.
Male genitalia are characterized by a narrow uncus, broadened apically; absent socii; and large, membranous, rounded valvae. Female genitalia are characterized by a long, straight ductus bursae with a cestum present; and a moderate, dagger-like 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 16–26 mm in length with a pale-green abdomen. The head is brown to brownish green and ranges from unmarked to heavily marked with black. The prothoracic shield is pale brownish green and markings range from a pair of spots on the anterolateral corners to more extensive dark patterns. Thoracic legs are pale and unmarked.
Archips semiferanus adults are most similar to those of A. negundana, although most A. negundana individuals are lighter with white hindwings, and females exhibit differences in the scales on the ventral surface of the abdomen. The two species are similar enough to have been confused in the early literature. Freeman (1958) described their differences and separated them by primary host: A. semiferanus on Quercus and A. negundana on Acer.
Archips semiferanus is widely distributed in eastern North America and ranges as far west as Colorado.
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..
Archips semiferanus completes one generation per year. Adults are present in late June through August. Females lay eggs in masses of 40–50 individual eggs, often in slight depressions on the bark of the host. The egg masses are covered with specialized scales located on the ventral surface of the female abdomen. Eggs overwinter and first instar larvae hatch the following spring. Larvae feed on all types of new growth, including small fruits, and pupation occurs in the final larval feeding site.
The primary host of A. semiferanus is oak (Quercus spp.), but it has been recorded from plants in several other families. 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. note that records on apple (Malus sp.) are always in the vicinity of oak. Records for boxelder and maple likely refer to A. negundana.
View full screen host table here
Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
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