Choreutis

Hübner, 1825

Species Guides

3

Choreutis is a of metalmark moths in the Choreutidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It serves as the type genus for both the family Choreutidae and Choreutinae. Several within this genus, particularly Choreutis nemorana (fig-tree skeletonizer) and Choreutis sexfasciella (Banyan Leaf Skeletonizer), have become notable as pests of Ficus species, with documented range expansions into Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Choreutis diana by no rights reserved, uploaded by Алексей Ябс. Used under a CC0 license.Choreutis pariana by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ross Mounce. Used under a CC0 license.Choreutis pariana 03 by Libby Avis, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Choreutis: //koʊˈruːˌtɪs//

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Habitat

Associated with Ficus plants; some occur in urban areas where ornamental fig trees are cultivated.

Distribution

Widespread distribution with records from Europe (including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, British Isles, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, Cyprus), North America (Vermont, USA), and the Mediterranean region. Specific show expanding ranges: C. nemorana spreading northwards and eastwards from Mediterranean origins, C. sexfasciella expanding from Philippine origins into Mediterranean countries and North America.

Host Associations

  • Ficus - larval plantMultiple Ficus including F. microcarpa, F. benjamina, and cultivated figs

Ecological Role

Some function as non-native pests affecting fig ; local have been observed to adopt these introduced species as , including ichneumonid wasps (Oiorhinus pallipalpis, Scambus inanis, Scambus elegans, Encrateola laevigata) and eulophid (Elasmus cf. cyprianus).

Human Relevance

Several are economically significant pests of fig . Choreutis nemorana threatens fig production in expanding areas of Central and Eastern Europe where licensed are lacking. Choreutis sexfasciella affects ornamental Ficus trees in urban environments. Both species have documented socioeconomic impacts and are subjects of research.

More Details

Taxonomic status

Type of Choreutidae and Choreutinae

Molecular research

has been used to confirm identity and track range expansions, particularly for C. sexfasciella in newly colonized regions

Parasitoid research

Studies in Hungary documented parasitization rates of C. nemorana ranging from 9.4% to 52.6%, with multiple ichneumonid and one hyperparasitoid (Mesochorus vittator) reared from larvae and cocoons

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Sources and further reading