Cydia araucariae

Status

EXOTIC

PORT INTERCEPT

Taxonomy

Cydia araucariae (Pastrana) (Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Grapholitini)

Adult Recognition

FWL: 7.0–10.0 mm

Forewings are brown to golden brown. Metallic bands, or striae, extend diagonally from the costa to the ocellus and continue vertically to the dorsum. Males lack a forewing costal fold. Hindwings are brown to near black.

Male genitalia are characterized by the absence of an uncus; a domed tegumen; and elliptical valvae with a large basal cavity. Female genitalia are characterized by an elongate, cylindrical sterigma; and two opposed, horn-like signa in the corpus bursae. 

Larval Morphology

The following account is summarized from Brown (2011)Brown (2011):
Brown, J. W. 2011. Tools for identifying the larvae of leafrollers (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) frequently intercepted at U.S. ports of entry. Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington, D.C. 19 pp..

Late instar larvae are approximately 20 mm in length and are pinkish with medium to large, pale-brown pinacula. The head is brown, and the prothoracic shield is light brown. Diagnostic characters include: L-pinaculum of T1 rather large, sometimes notched; L setae on A9 sometimes all on the same pinacula; SV group on A1, 2, 7, 8, 9 variable, usually 3:3:2(3):1(2):1; number of crochets 34–37.

Similar Species

Adults may appear similar to other species of Cydia. A genitalic dissection can be used to confirm identity.

Distribution

Cydia araucariae is found in association with its larval host in Brazil, Argentina, and possibly Chile.

Biology

The following account is summarized from Pastrana (1950)Pastrana (1950):
Pastrana, J. A. 1950. Una nueva peste en Araucaria de Misiones Republic Argentina quot;Lepidoptera - Grapholitidae.quot; De la Revista de Invest Agricultura. 4: 243-244..

Cydia araucariae completes several generations per year. Adults are active during the day.

Females usually lay eggs on the female cones, but eggs may also be found on the needles, twigs, terminal buds, and male cones. Larvae tunnel into the seeds, where they complete development. Larvae may also damage terminal buds. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon.

Larvae of C. araucariae feed in the seeds of Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia).

Plant Associations

View full screen host table here