Isotenes miserana (Walker) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)
Common names: orange fruit borer
Synonyms: absumptana (Teras)
FWL: 8.0–11.0 mm
Forewings are light brownish gray with brown or gray fasciate markings. Males have a forewing costal fold. Hindwings are pale brown.
Male genitalia are characterized by valvae that appear to be twisted dorsally. Female genitalia are characterized by a twisted ductus bursae and a single dagger-like signum in the corpus bursae.
The following account is summarized from Dugdale et al. (2005)Dugdale et al. (2005):
Dugdale, J. S., Gleeson, D., Clunie, L. H., Holder, P. W. 2005. A diagnostic guide to Tortricidae encountered in field surveys and quarantine inspections in New Zealand: Morphological and molecular characters. National Plant Pest Reference Laboratory. 161 pp..
Late instar larvae are pale cream with a reddish-brown line running along the SD setae and faint reddish-brown markings on each segment dorsal to the pale D setal pinacula. The head and thoracic legs are dark brown. The prothoracic shield is dark brown posteriorly, becoming pale cream anteriorly.
Adults may appear similar to other gray-brown archipines with a fasciate forewing pattern. A genitalic dissection can be used to confirm identity. Examples of superficially similar species on this site are Acleris senescens, Cnephasia spp., and Decodes spp.
Isotenes miserana is a native of Australia (Northern Territory and Queensland). It has been introduced to New Zealand and South Asia.
The following account is summarized from Dugdale et al. (2005)Dugdale et al. (2005):
Dugdale, J. S., Gleeson, D., Clunie, L. H., Holder, P. W. 2005. A diagnostic guide to Tortricidae encountered in field surveys and quarantine inspections in New Zealand: Morphological and molecular characters. National Plant Pest Reference Laboratory. 161 pp..
Isotenes miserana completes several generations per year. Generations are overlapping and adults may be present year-round in some locations.
Females lay eggs in masses and surround them with "fences" constructed from specialized scales on the abdomen. Larvae tunnel into fruit and feed just below the skin; they may also feed on buds and young leaves. Pupation occurs in the larval feeding shelter.
Larvae of I. miserana are polyphagous and have been recorded feeding on citrus (Citrus spp.), camellia (Camellia spp.), macadamia (Macadamia spp.), peaches and relatives (Prunus spp.), rose (Rosa spp.), and a variety of other plants in at least 14 families. As of 2021, it has never been intercepted at US ports, but is a high priority species to prevent becoming established in the US (USDA 2021).
Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
idtools.org
TortAI tool images at ipmimages.org - ITP Node
