Argyrotaenia quercifoliana

Status

NATIVE

DOMESTIC SURVEY

Taxonomy

Argyrotaenia quercifoliana (Fitch) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)

Synonyms: trifurculana (Tortrix)

Adult Recognition

FWL: 7.5–9.5 mm (male); 9.0–11.5 mm (female)

Forewings are pale yellow with brown to light-brown reticulated markings. Most specimens have two brown fascial remnants that form parallel lines from costa to dorsum. Hindwings are white. Males lack a forewing costal fold.

According to Freeman (1944)Freeman (1944):
Freeman, T. N. 1944. A review of the North American species of the genus Argyrotaenia Stephens (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae). Scientific Agriculture. 25: 81-94., some individuals of A. quercifoliana exhibit a solid patch of light brown on the forewing and resemble A. alisellana.

Male genitalia are characterized by a relatively narrow, finger-like uncus; reduced socii; and large, membranous valvae. Female genitalia are characterized by a small sclerotized plate at the base of the ductus bursae; a larger, more 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.

Larval Morphology

No detailed descriptions of larvae of Argyrotaenia quercifoliana exist. The following account is summarized from photos of reared larvae. Chaetotaxy is presumed to be similar to other species of Argyrotaenia.

Mature larva 18–22 mm in length; head, prothoracic shield, body; anal plate all entirely yellowish green to green.

Similar Species

Adults of Argyrotaenia quadrifasciana may appear similar to those of A. quercifoliana . The two species can be distinguished by forewing color: bright yellow in A. quadrifasciana versus pale yellow in A. quercifoliana. In addition, the hindwings of A. quercifoliana are white, while those of A. quadrifasciana are dark brown or golden brown.

Distribution

Argyrotaenia quercifoliana is widely distributed in eastern North America from Minnesota east to Quebec and Nova Scotia and south to eastern Texas and Florida.

Biology

Adults are present in May through July. Larvae feed on leaves of oak (Quercus spp.) and various other hosts. Detailed life history information for this species has not been reported.

In addition to oak, Argyrotaenia quercifoliana has been recorded feeding on trees in several other families.

Plant Associations

View full screen host table here

Links

Additional photos and a distribution map of this species in North America are available at Moth Photographers Group.