Sparganothis tunicana (Walsingham) (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Sparganothini)
Synonyms: californiana (Dichelia)
FWL: 5.5–7.5 mm (males); 7.0–9.5 mm (females)
Forewings are yellow with brown to purplish-brown markings. The median fascia is complete, and the distal half of the wing is solid brown in most individuals. Labial palpi are short in comparison to other Sparganothini. Males lack a forewing costal fold. Hindwings are brown.
Male genitalia are characterized by a long, slender uncus; slender, setose socii; and membranous, elliptical valvae. Female genitalia are characterized by a quadrate sterigma; a twice-coiled ductus bursae; and the signum is present as a narrow, slightly sinuate band in the corpus bursae.
Larval morphology has not been described for this species, but is likely similar to other species of Sparganothis.
Sparganothis tunicana may be confused with other species of Sparganothis. Sparganothis senecionana is similar but can be distinguished from S. tunicana by its larger size and longer labial palpi.
Sparganothis tunicana is recorded from California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. A single record from North Carolina is dubious.
Sparganothis tunicana completes a single annual generation over much of its range. Adults are present April to August depending on location. Little else is known about its life history, but it is probably similar to that of S. senecionana.
Larvae of S. tunicana are polyphagous have been recorded feeding on plants in more than 10 families.
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Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
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