Caloptilia burgessiella
(Zeller, 1873)
Dogwood Conical Leafroller Moth
Caloptilia burgessiella is a small in the , commonly known as the Dogwood Conical Moth. The are that feed on dogwoods (Cornus ) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). The species occurs in northeastern North America and has been recorded as far west as California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Caloptilia burgessiella: /ˌkæloʊpˈtɪliə bɜːrˈɡɛsiɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
As a member of the Caloptilia, this likely exhibits the characteristic resting posture with held steeply roof-like over the body, creating a narrow, elongate silhouette. Specific identification features distinguishing C. burgessiella from congeneric species are not documented in available sources. are small typical of the . The "Conical " refers to larval of rolling or folding leaves into a conical shelter.
Habitat
Associated with supporting its plants: dogwoods (Cornus asperifolia, C. florida, C. racemosa) and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). These include deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and shrubby areas.
Distribution
Recorded from Canada (Québec, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta) and the United States (Massachusetts, California, Maine, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, Michigan). The California record represents a notable western disjunction from the primarily northeastern distribution.
Diet
feed on leaves of Cornus asperifolia, Cornus florida, Cornus racemosa, and Vaccinium corymbosum. They mine the leaves of their plants.
Host Associations
- Cornus asperifolia - larval leaf mining
- Cornus florida - larval leaf mining
- Cornus racemosa - larval leaf mining
- Vaccinium corymbosum - larval leaf mining
Behavior
create leaf mines on foliage. The suggests larvae may roll or fold leaves into conical shelters, though this specific for C. burgessiella is inferred from the name and characteristics rather than directly documented.
Ecological Role
As a leaf-mining , modify leaf tissue of woody shrubs, potentially affecting at high . The contributes to local as a item for and other .
Similar Taxa
- Caloptilia blandellaAnother Caloptilia with similar and /mining habits; distinguished by associations and subtle morphological differences
- Other Caloptilia speciesMany congeneric share the characteristic steeply roof-like posture and small size; accurate identification often requires examination of or association
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described by Zeller in 1873. The epithet 'burgessiella' likely honors an individual, though the specific etymology is not documented in available sources.
Distribution anomaly
The California record is geographically distant from the core northeastern North range. This may represent a valid western , a misidentification, or an introduction; verification of this record would be valuable.