Clepsis clemensiana

Status

NATIVE

DOMESTIC SURVEY

Taxonomy

Clepsis clemensiana (Fernald) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)

Synonyms: nervosana (Tortrix)

Adult Recognition

FWL: 9.5–11.5 mm

Forewings are straw yellow, narrow, and unmarked; although some females may have a faint reticulate pattern. The termen is steeply angled creating an apex that is nearly falcate in some individuals. Hindwings are primarily white. Males have a forewing costal fold.

Male genitalia are characterized by a broad, short uncus; reduced socii; a robust tegumen; and an incomplete, finely spined transtilla. Female genitalia are characterized by a long, straight ductus bursae with a cestum present; and a dagger-like signum in the corpus bursae with a robust capitulum. 

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..

Mature larva approximately 10 mm in length; width of head 1.1–1.2 mm; head, prothoracic shield yellowish brown; legs, anal shield brown; pinacula brown, large, conspicuous; 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..

Similar Species

Xenotemna pallorana is similar but can be distinguished from Clepsis clemensiana by the lack of a forewing costal fold, a rounded termen on the forewing, and brownish or shaded hindwings. Genitalia of these two species are distinct and a dissection can be used to confirm identity.

Distribution

Clepsis clemensiana is widely distributed from the Northeast west to British Columbia, south to California, New Mexico, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Biology

The following account is summarized from Powell (1964b)Powell (1964b):
Powell, J. A. 1964b. Biological and taxonomic studies on tortricine moths, with reference to the species in California. University of California Publications in Entomology. Vol. 32. 317 pp..

Clepsis clemensiana completes one or two annual generations. Adults are present in June and July and again in September for the second generation. Larvae feed on leaves of the host plants. Pupation occurs in a silk tube.

Grasses (Poaceae) are considered to be the primary host for C. clemensiana, although the larvae have been reported feeding on plants 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.