Sparganothis senecionana

Status

NATIVE

DOMESTIC SURVEY

Taxonomy

Sparganothis senecionana (Walsingham) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Sparganothini)

Synonyms: rudana (Oenectra)

Adult Recognition

FWL: 7.0–12.5 mm

Forewings are pale yellow with brown to purplish-brown markings. Wing pattern varies greatly, but most individuals are marked with an incomplete median fascia and conspicuous costal spot. The distal half of the wing may be lightly shaded or solid brown. Labial palpi are long. Males lack a forewing costal fold. The hindwings vary from white to pale brown. 

Male genitalia are characterized by a long, slender uncus; elongate socii; and elliptical valvae. Female genitalia are characterized by a somewhat rounded sterigma; a twice-coiled ductus bursae; and signum present as a irregular, rugose band near the base of the corpus bursae. 

Larval Morphology

Larval morphology has not been described for this species, but is likely similar to other species of Sparganothis.

Similar Species

Adults may be confused with other Sparganothis. Sparganothis tunicana is similar but can be distinguished from S. senecionana by its smaller size and shorter labial palpi.

Distribution

Sparganothis senecionana is distributed throughout western North America from British Columbia to Baja California and east to Alberta, Colorado, and Arizona. It is absent in desert locations. Records from Ontario, Quebec, and the northeastern United States are dubious and likely refer to other similar species of Sparganothis. 

Biology

The following account is summarized from Powell and Brown (2012)Powell and Brown (2012):
Powell, J. A., Brown, J. W. 2012. Tortricoidea, Tortricidae (part): Tortricinae (part): Sparganothini and Atteriini. In: Hodges, R. W. (ed.). The Moths of North America, fascicle 8.1. Wedge Entomological Research Foundation, Washington, D.C., 230 pp..

Sparganothis senecionana is typically univoltine, but can be facultatively bivoltine under the right conditions. Adults are present April to August depending on location.

Larvae are highly polyphagous and generally feed on flowers of the host. In California, larvae hatch from the egg, construct a silk hibernaculum, and enter an obligate diapause that lasts through the dry season. Activity is resumed again at the onset of winter rains.

Larvae of S. senecionana have been recorded feeding on plants in nearly 20 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.