Argyrotaenia mariana (Fernald) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)
Common names: gray-banded leaf roller
FWL: 7.0–10.0 mm
Forewing ground color is light gray to white. Markings include a dark-brown to black crescent on the costa, a light-brown patch in the area of the median fascia, and sparse pale-brown shading on the basal half of the wing in some individuals. The hindwing is gray. Males lack a forewing costal fold.
Male genitalia are characterized by a well-developed, apically widening uncus; reduced socii; and elliptical, membranous, rounded valvae. Female genitalia are characterized by a small sclerotized plate at the base of the ductus bursae; a large, conspicuous sclerotized patch at the junction of the ductus bursae and corpus bursae; and a large, hook-shaped signum in the corpus bursae with a 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 17–23 mm in length; largely unmarked; body light green; head, prothoracic shield yellowish green; anal shield may be lightly mottled with dark green spots; anal fork well-developed; SV group on A1, 2, 7, 8, 9 numbering 3:3:3:2:2.
Detailed figures of larval chaetotaxy are 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 general forewing coloration and pattern is similar to some species of Acleris, such as A. forbesana and A. nivisellana. A genitalic dissection can be used to confirm identity.
The larvae can be confused with those of many other tortricids, including other Argyrotaenia, Epiphyas postvittana, and Choristoneura rosaceana. According to 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., the markings on the anal shield can be used to separate A. mariana from other Argyrotaenia species.
Argyrotaenia mariana is found in eastern North America, where it is most common in the Northeast and southern Canada. Records exist for as far south as Tennessee and North Carolina.
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..
Argyrotaenia mariana completes a single generation per year. Adults are present in May and June.
Females lay eggs in masses of 20–120 individual eggs on the upper surface of leaves and smooth bark. First instar larvae immediately disperse from the egg mass on silken threads, which transport them to different parts of the plant or entirely different plants. Early instars skeletonize the underside of leaves along the midrib. Later instars roll or web leaves, or web leaves to fruit.
This species has been recorded as an infrequent pest of apple (Malus sp.) in the Northeast.
Although larvae of A. mariana have been recorded from a variety of plants, 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. speculate that its primary hosts are restricted to 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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