Acrobasis demotella

Grote, 1881

Walnut Shoot Moth

Acrobasis demotella, the walnut shoot , is a small pyralid moth described by Grote in 1881. Its larvae feed on Juglans (walnut) and Carya (hickory/pecan) , making it a pest of nut-producing trees. The species occurs across eastern and central North America. It is one of several Acrobasis species associated with hardwood trees in the walnut .

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

Acrobasis demotella 4212038 by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Archive, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Acrobasis demotella 1396120 by USDA Forest Service - Northeastern Area Archive, USDA Forest Service. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acrobasis demotella: //ˌækrəˈbeɪsɪs ˌdɛmoʊˈtɛlə//

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 related Acrobasis by association with its specific plants (Juglans and Carya species) and geographic range. Acrobasis nuxvorella (pecan nut casebearer), a closely related pest species, has a distinctive ridge of dark across the forewings and is primarily associated with pecan in the southern United States. Acrobasis demotella has a more northerly distribution and broader host range including walnuts. Definitive identification may require dissection or molecular analysis.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 20–24 mm. As a member of the Phycitinae , it likely has relatively narrow forewings with characteristic patterning typical of the group, though specific coloration details are not well documented in available sources.

Habitat

Found in deciduous forests and woodlands, as well as orchards and cultivated areas where trees (walnut, hickory, pecan) are present. The larval stage occurs within shoots and nut clusters of host trees.

Distribution

North America, from Ontario south to North Carolina and west to Missouri and Michigan. Records also include Vermont.

Diet

Larvae feed on Juglans (walnuts), Carya illinoinensis (pecan), and other Carya species (hickories). The specific feeding habits within these (shoot boring, nut feeding, etc.) are not explicitly documented for this species, though related Acrobasis species are shoot borers or nut feeders.

Host Associations

Juglans - larval food plantwalnut
Carya illinoinensis - larval food plantpecan
Carya - larval food planthickory

Ecological Role

As a herbivore of Juglandaceae, the larvae function as primary consumers. The serves as a for , including ichneumonids in the Mesostenus, which are known to parasitize Acrobasis caterpillars.

Human Relevance

Economic impact on walnut and hickory/pecan through larval feeding damage. Less intensively studied than the related pecan nut casebearer (A. nuxvorella), which is a major pecan pest. Management approaches likely similar to other Acrobasis shoot borers, involving monitoring and targeted applications.

Similar Taxa

Acrobasis nuxvorellaAlso feeds on Carya illinoinensis; distinguished by more southerly distribution, association primarily with pecan orchards, and distinctive forewing ridge
Acrobasis juglandisAnother walnut-feeding Acrobasis ; specific differences in preference and require examination
Acrobasis betulellaRelated in same with different associations (Betula, birch)

More Details

Parasitoid associations

The Acrobasis, including A. demotella, is documented as a for in the genus Mesostenus (Ichneumonidae). Mesostenus use their long ovipositors to attack concealed caterpillars such as shoot-boring Acrobasis larvae.

Taxonomic note

The was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881, a prominent 19th-century American lepidopterist.