Korscheltellus

Börner, 1920

conifer swift (for K. gracilis), common swift (for K. lupulina)

Korscheltellus is a of () containing two widespread . Korscheltellus lupulina, the common , occurs across Europe. Korscheltellus gracilis, the conifer swift, ranges through Canada and the eastern United States. The genus was established by Börner in 1920 and has been subject to taxonomic revision, including the reinstatement of Korscheltellus castillanus as a distinct species.

Korscheltellus lupulina by (c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Korscheltellus by (c) Susan Blayney, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Susan Blayney. Used under a CC-BY license.

Korscheltellus lupulina (34393026330) by Ben Sale from UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Images

Habitat

Forested ; montane forests in North ranges. Korscheltellus gracilis is associated with coniferous forest containing balsam fir and red spruce.

Distribution

Europe (K. lupulina); Canada and eastern United States (K. gracilis). Distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have been documented.

Host Associations

Abies balsamea - larval balsam fir; K. gracilis considered a major pest
Picea rubens - larval red spruce; K. gracilis considered a major pest
Populus tremuloides - larval quaking aspen; recorded for K. gracilis
Picea glauca - larval spruce; recorded for K. gracilis
Betula alleghaniensis - larval birch; recorded for K. gracilis

Human Relevance

Korscheltellus gracilis is considered a major pest of balsam fir and red spruce in North forestry. The has been subject to surveys and utilization studies in Vermont to inform management practices.

Similar Taxa

PharmacisClosely related within ; both genera contain day-flying restricted to European mountain ranges. Distinguished by morphological and genitalic characters, with molecular analysis supporting their separation.