Caloptilia negundella
(Chambers, 1876)
Boxelder Leafroller Moth, boxelder leafroller
Caloptilia negundella is a small in the Gracillariidae, commonly known as the boxelder leafroller moth. The was first described by V.T. Chambers in 1876. It is attracted to ultraviolet light sources and has been documented at moth lighting events in Colorado.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Caloptilia negundella: /kæˌlɒpˈtɪliə nɛˌɡʌnˈdɛlə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Caloptilia by association with boxelder (Acer negundo) as a plant, as implied by the species epithet. The small size (13 mm wingspan) and geographic distribution help narrow identification. Similar congeneric species may be distinguished by host plant specificity and minor morphological differences, though detailed diagnostic features are not provided in available sources.
Images
Appearance
Small with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. As a member of the Caloptilia, it likely exhibits the characteristic resting posture with wings held roof-like over the body, though specific coloration and pattern details for this are not well documented in the provided sources.
Habitat
Associated with boxelder (Acer negundo) trees, suggesting riparian areas, urban plantings, and other where this tree occurs. Observed at blacklight stations in suburban and rural settings in Colorado.
Distribution
Documented from Quebec, Canada, and the United States: Colorado, Kentucky, New York, California, Maine, Ohio, and Vermont. GBIF records additionally indicate Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan in Canada.
Seasonality
have been observed in July during National Week events in Colorado. Specific period details are not well documented.
Host Associations
- Acer negundo - plantInferred from epithet 'negundella' and 'boxelder leafroller'; specific feeding details not confirmed in sources
Behavior
; attracted to ultraviolet light sources. fly during summer months.
Similar Taxa
- Caloptilia blandellaWalnut Caloptilia is a congeneric with similar and ; distinguished by association with Juglans (walnut) rather than Acer negundo
- Other Caloptilia speciesMany Caloptilia are leaf miners or leaf rollers on specific plants; identification to species level often requires host plant knowledge or detailed genitalia examination
More Details
Taxonomic note
The epithet 'negundella' directly references the boxelder tree (Acer negundo), indicating a long-recognized association. The 'leafroller' suggests larval involving leaf rolling or folding, typical of many Gracillariidae, though this has not been explicitly documented in the provided sources for this species.