Acrobasis ostryella

Ely, 1913

Acrobasis ostryella is a snout moth ( Pyralidae) described by Charles Russell Ely in 1913. The has one per year and occurs in eastern North America. Larvae are specialized feeders on Ostrya virginiana (American hophornbeam), constructing silk tubes at the base of leaves where they overwinter. The species is one of approximately 60 Acrobasis species in North America, many of which are associated with woody plants.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acrobasis ostryella: /ˌækrəˈbeɪsɪs ˌɒstrɪˈɛlə/

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Identification

Specific diagnostic features for Acrobasis ostryella are not documented in available sources. The Acrobasis is characterized by elongated labial palps that project forward like a snout, and most are small with relatively narrow forewings. Identification to species level likely requires examination of genitalia or association with the plant Ostrya virginiana.

Habitat

Associated with forests and woodlands where the plant Ostrya virginiana (American hophornbeam) occurs. This tree typically grows in well-drained soils of upland forests, often as an understory component in mixed hardwood stands.

Distribution

Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.

Seasonality

are active in summer. Larvae overwinter and resume feeding in spring. One per year.

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on Ostrya virginiana (American hophornbeam).

Host Associations

Ostrya virginiana - larval food plantAmerican hophornbeam; larvae feed on leaves and construct silk tubes at leaf bases

Life Cycle

One per year. are laid on plant. Larvae feed initially on undersurface of leaf bases, then construct silk tubes and pull nearby leaves together. Larvae typically abandon the first tube to construct a second. The overwinters in the larval stage. occurs in a pupal chamber constructed at the end of the larval tube.

Behavior

Larvae construct distinctive silk tubes at the base of leaves, binding multiple leaves together. They typically relocate from an initial tube to construct a second tube before . This tube-building is characteristic of many Acrobasis and provides protection from and desiccation.

Similar Taxa

Acrobasis betulellaAlso feeds on Betulaceae; larval habits similar but plant differs (Betula vs. Ostrya)
Other Acrobasis speciesMany congeneric share similar and larval tube-building ; plant association is critical for identification

More Details

Parasitoid associations

The Acrobasis, including with concealed larvae like A. ostryella, serves as for in the Ichneumonidae. Mesostenus species have been documented parasitizing Acrobasis larvae, using their long ovipositors to reach caterpillars within plant tissues or silk tubes.