Cydia coniferana

Status

ADVENTIVE

PORT INTERCEPT | DOMESTIC SURVEY

Taxonomy

Cydia coniferana (Saxesen) (Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Grapholitini)

Synonyms: ericicolana (Coccyx), separatana (Tortrix)

Adult Recognition

FWL: 4.5–6.5 mm

Adults are small and brown. Many individuals have a pair of white strigulae that run continuous from costa to dorsum on the forewing; expression of these markings may vary considerably. A conspicuous ocellus is present in the distal portion of the forewing. Hindwings are brown. 

Male genitalia are characterized by the absence of an uncus; a small, toothlike projection of the ventral margin of the valva; and numerous small cornuti in the aedeagus. Female genitalia are characterized by a short ductus bursae and a pair of small tack-like signa in the corpus bursae.

Larval Morphology

The following account is summarized from Swatschek (1958)Swatschek (1958):
Swatschek, B. 1958. Die larval systematik der wickler (Tortricidae und Carposinidae) aus dem zoologischen Institut der Universitat Erlangen. Akademie-Verlag, Berlin. 269 pp. [Abhandlungen zur larvalsystematik Insekten 3.].

Late instar larvae are white or yellowish with a light-brown head that may have darker posterolateral shading. The prothoracic shield is yellowish brown and lightly sclerotized. The anal shield is marked with dark brown spots.

Similar Species

Adults of Cydia coniferana are similar to several other Cydia and Grapholita species. A genitalic dissection may be necessary to confirm identity.

Distribution

Cydia coniferana is distributed from Europe east to China and Mongolia. The first North American record is from New York in the late 1950s but the population never established. It was not detected again in North America until an adult was collected in Washington in 2000. Additional surveys have shown that it is established and widespread in Washington and Oregon, although unpublished molecular data suggests that this recent introduction may be a different species.

Biology

The following account is summarized from LaGasa and Passoa (2007)LaGasa and Passoa (2007):
LaGasa, E., Passoa, S. 2007. First report of the Palearctic species Cydia coniferana (Tortricidae) in the western United States. Journal of the Lepidopterists#39; Society. 61: 172-175..

Cydia coniferana completes 1–2 generations per year in Europe. Adults are present from mid-May to August. It is not yet known how many generations per year occur in North America.

Larvae create a silk-lined tunnel under the bark of the host tree and feed in the cambium. Larval damage is characterized by loose bark and exuded frass mixed with resin. Larvae often infest trees that are infected with fungus or those that are injured.

Larvae have been reported feeding on various species of fir (Abies spp.), spruce (Picea spp.), and pine (Pinus spp.). This species is generally characterized as an occasional pest of young pines.

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.