Eucosmini is the most diverse tribe of Olethreutinae, with approximately 1,650 described species that occur worldwide. No single synapomorphy is known which defines the tribe, but one potential synapomorphy that has been proposed is the base of vein M2 bent towards the stalked base of veins M3 and CuA1 in the hindwing, though exceptions exist (Horak 2006Horak 2006:
Horak, M. 2006. Olethreutine moths of Australia (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Monographs on Australian Lepidoptera, Vol. 10. 522 pp.). Molecular data suggest Eucosmini to be sister to Grapholitini (Regier et al. 2012Regier et al. 2012:
Regier J. C., Brown, J. W., Mitter, C., Baixeras, J., Cho, S., Cummings, P., Zwick, A. 2012. A molecular phylogeny for the leaf-roller moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its implications for classification and life history evolution. PLoS ONE. 7(4): e35574.). Morphological similarities, especially in the genitalia support this relationship.
Adults of Eucosmini are difficult to generalize externally, but most have relatively narrow forewings with well-defined paired costal strigulae, a variably-developed ocellus, and often forewings with dull brown, tan, white, or red coloration (though colorful exceptions certainly exist). Male genitalia are variable, but can often be characterized by an obsolete or reduced uncus; nub- or lobe-like socii; and valvae with a distinct constriction or “neck” at the midpoint with a well-developed cucullus, often with spine-like setae on the distal margin. Female genitalia are equally variable, but usually have a large, plate-like sterigma, the shape of which is often taxonomically useful; a ductus bursae that is at least partially sclerotized; and a corpus bursae with two horn- or blade-like signa.
Like most other olethreutines and opposed to most tortricines, eggs of Eucosmini tend to be laid singly and without colleterial secretions to cover them. The larvae of Eucosmini display a wide variety of life histories, but most are leaf-rollers, leaf-webbers, or stem and root borers. Despite their diversity, relatively few species are considered serious pests. On this site, we include some of the most common Nearctic species which researchers, surveyors, and inspectors are likely to encounter.
The foundation and most comprehensive guide to Nearctic Eucosmini is Heinrich (1923b)Heinrich (1923b):
Heinrich, C. 1923b. Revision of the North American moths of the subfamily Eucosminae of the family Olethreutidae. Bulletin of the United States National Museum. 123: 1–298., but more recent regional (Miller 1987aMiller 1987a:
Miller, W. E. 1987a. Guide to the Olethreutine moths of midland North America (Tortricidae). USDA Forest Service Agriculture Handbook 660: 1–104., Gilligan et al. 2008Gilligan et al. 2008:
Gilligan, T. M., Wright, D. J., Gibson, L. D. 2008. Olethreutine moths of the midwestern United States, an identification guide. Ohio Biological Survey, Columbus, Ohio. 334 pp.) and genus-level (Mutuura and Freeman 1966Mutuura and Freeman 1966:
Mutuura, A., Freeman, T. 1966. The North American species of the genus Zeiraphera Treitschke (Olethreutidae). Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera. 5: 153–176., Powell and Miller 1978Miller 1978:
Miller, W. E. 1978. Petrova pitch-blister moths of North America and Europe: two new species and synopsis (Olethreutidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 71: 329–340., Miller 1986bMiller 1986b:
Miller, W. E. 1986b. The species of Pseudexentera (Tortricidae). Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society. 40: 218–237., Wright and Gilligan 2015Wright and Gilligan 2015:
Wright D. J., Gilligan, T. M. 2015. Eucosma Hübner of the contiguous United States and Canada (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Eucosmini). In: Hodges, R. W. (ed.). The Moths of North America, fascicle 9.4. Wedge Entomological Research Foundation, Washington, D.C., 256 pp., Wright and Gilligan 2017Wright and Gilligan 2017:
Wright D. J., Gilligan, T. M. 2017. Pelochrista Lederer of the Contiguous United States and Canada (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Eucosmini). In: Hodges, R. W. (ed.). The Moths of North America, fascicle 9.5. Wedge Entomological Research Foundation, Washington, D.C., 376 pp.) treatments exist.
Included species:
Exotic species
Adventive species
Native species
Crocidosema spp.
Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
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