Plochionus timidus
Haldeman, 1843
Plochionus timidus is a in the , distributed across North America from Canada to the United States. It is a documented of lepidopteran , particularly the fruittree (Archips argyrospila), and has been observed in association with the fall (Hyphantria cunea). overwinter under bark and emerge in late winter to early spring to coincide with activity. The is a spring breeder with adults surviving approximately one year.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plochionus timidus: //plɔˈkiːoʊnəs ˈtɪmɪdəs//
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Images
Habitat
Forested wetlands. overwinter under the bark of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum, DBH >30 cm) and black willow (Salix nigra, DBH >15 cm) at heights more than 40 cm above water level.
Distribution
North America: Canada and United States. Documented in Louisiana forested wetlands; broader North range confirmed by GBIF records.
Seasonality
emerge from in late February or early March. distributed from mid- or late-March to late-September. present from late-March to early or mid-October.
Diet
of lepidopteran . Documented includes the fruittree (Archips argyrospila) and association with fall (Hyphantria cunea).
Host Associations
- Archips argyrospila - Fruittree ; primary documented in Louisiana study
- Hyphantria cunea - Fall ; association observed after fruittree complete development
- Taxodium distichum - siteBaldcypress bark; microhabitat
- Salix nigra - siteBlack willow bark; microhabitat
Life Cycle
Spring breeder. survive approximately one year. laid among foliage and webs. Larval development occurs through late spring to mid-autumn.
Behavior
overwinter under bark of wetland trees. timed to coincide with activity of . distributed among foliage and webs rather than in soil.
Ecological Role
of defoliating lepidopteran in forested wetland . Contributes to of fruittree and fall .
Human Relevance
Potential agent for orchard and forest pests, particularly the fruittree which affects fruit trees.
Similar Taxa
- Calleida viridipennis with similar seasonal occurrence, use, and associations in Louisiana forested wetlands. Both overwinter under bark and prey on Archips argyrospila.
More Details
Overwintering Microhabitat Specificity
sites are specific to larger trees: baldcypress >30 cm DBH and black willow >15 cm DBH, positioned >40 cm above water level, suggesting flood avoidance requirements.
Prey Switching
Observed to associate with fall after fruittree complete development, indicating flexible foraging across lepidopteran .