Acrobasis vaccinii

Definition

A species of snout moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) native to eastern North America, commonly known as the cranberry fruitworm. Larvae develop inside berries of Vaccinium species, particularly cranberry and blueberry, making it a significant agricultural pest of cultivated Vaccinium crops. Adults are small, grayish-brown moths with distinctive wing patterns; larvae are greenish with dark heads. The species was described by Charles Valentine Riley in 1884 and has been introduced to the Pacific Northwest (Washington state).

Etymology

Generic name Acrobasis from Greek akros (tip, extremity) and basis (base, foundation), possibly referring to wing venation or body proportions; specific epithet vaccinii from Vaccinium, the host plant genus.

Example

Acrobasis vaccinii larvae tunnel through cranberry fruits, leaving frass-filled entry holes and rendering berries unmarketable; monitoring pheromone traps helps time insecticide applications in commercial cranberry bogs.

Synonyms

• Cranberry fruitworm

Related Terms

• Pyralidae
• Lepidoptera
• Vaccinium
• fruit borer
• Charles Valentine Riley
• cranberry pest
• internal feeder

Usage Notes

Common name 'cranberry fruitworm' is shared with other Acrobasis species (e.g., A. stigmella, the other cranberry fruitworm), so precise identification requires examination of adult genitalia or larval morphology. In commercial agriculture, often abbreviated as AV in integrated pest management literature. Not to be confused with the cranberry girdler (Chrysoteuchia topiarius) or cranberry weevil (Anthonomus musculus), which damage different plant parts.