Acrobasis caryivorella

Ragonot, 1887

pecan nursery casemaker

Acrobasis caryivorella, known as the pecan nursery casemaker, is a snout moth in the Pyralidae described by Ragonot in 1887. It is a pest of pecan and walnut trees, with larvae that bore into new growth and developing nuts. The has two to four per year and overwinters in the larval stage. It occurs in southeastern Ontario, Canada, and the eastern United States.

Acrobasis caryivorella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

- 5663 – Acrobasis tumidulella (big maybe) (18931057590) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

- 5663 – Acrobasis tumidulella tentative (48128173543) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acrobasis caryivorella: //ˌækroʊˈbeɪsɪs ˌkɛrɪˌvɔːˈrɛlə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The can be distinguished from the related pecan nut casebearer (Acrobasis nuxvorella) by its association with nursery stock and new growth rather than mature nut clusters. Larvae construct silk cases for . Accurate identification to species level typically requires examination of genitalia or molecular methods.

Images

Habitat

Pecan orchards, walnut groves, and areas with trees in the Carya and Juglans. Larvae are associated with new growth and developing plant tissues.

Distribution

Southeastern Ontario, Canada, and the eastern United States.

Seasonality

Two to four per year, with activity in spring and summer. First-generation larvae feed on new growth; subsequent generations develop through summer. occurs in the larval stage.

Diet

Larvae feed on Carya and Juglans . First- larvae bore into new growth of plants; later generations hollow out the interior of nuts.

Host Associations

Carya illinoinensis - primary pecan
Carya - hickories
Juglans - walnuts

Life Cycle

Two to four annually. are laid on plants. First-generation larvae bore into new growth. The overwinters as larvae in sealed cases attached to twigs. Following spring , larvae feed on buds and flowers. Second and subsequent generation larvae feed on maturing nuts and pupate within hollowed nut shells.

Behavior

Larvae construct protective silk cases for . Larvae of the first bore into new growth; later generations tunnel into and hollow out developing nuts, pupating inside.

Ecological Role

Pest causing damage to pecan and walnut nursery stock and nut production. Larval boring into new growth and nuts reduces yield and plant vigor.

Human Relevance

Economic pest of pecan and walnut . Damage to new growth and developing nuts reduces crop yields. Management may require monitoring and targeted intervention in nursery and orchard settings.

Similar Taxa

Acrobasis nuxvorellaAlso a pecan pest, but primarily attacks mature nut clusters rather than nursery stock and new growth; has a ridge of dark across forewings
Acrobasis juglandisAnother congeneric feeding on Juglans; specific preferences and morphological distinctions require expert examination

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Acrobasis caryivorella is sometimes confused with Acrobasis nuxvorella (pecan nut casebearer) in older literature. The two have distinct tissue preferences and seasonal patterns.

Historical Research

A 1925 study in the Journal of Economic Entomology detailed the in Texas, documenting two annually with winter hibernation as larvae in sealed cases.