Acrobasis rubrifasciella
Packard, 1874
alder tubemaker moth
Acrobasis rubrifasciella, commonly known as the alder tubemaker , is a small snout moth described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1874. The occurs in central-eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Alnus (alder) species, with young larvae consuming wintered leaf-buds of their plants. The species has been documented as a host for the Calliephialtes grapholithae.

Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrobasis rubrifasciella: //ækrəˈbeɪsɪs ruːbrɪˌfæʃiˈɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Associated with alder-dominated environments where plants (Alnus serrulata, Alnus rugosa) occur.
Distribution
Central-eastern Canada and eastern United States.
Diet
Larvae feed on Alnus , specifically Alnus serrulata and Alnus rugosa. Young larvae consume wintered leaf-buds of the plant.
Host Associations
- Alnus serrulata - larval food plantwintered leaf-buds consumed by young larvae
- Alnus rugosa - larval food plantwintered leaf-buds consumed by young larvae
Behavior
Larvae are known to feed within leaf-buds, suggesting a concealed feeding habit.
Ecological Role
Serves as for including Calliephialtes grapholithae (Ichneumonidae).
Similar Taxa
- Acrobasis nuxvorellaBoth are Acrobasis with concealed larval feeding habits, but A. nuxvorella is a significant pecan pest with different specificity (pecan vs. alder).
More Details
Taxonomic note
Recorded in literature as 'Acrobasis nibrifasciella' (apparent misspelling) in records for Calliephialtes grapholithae.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Bug Eric: A Potential New Host Record for Calliephialtes grapholithae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from a Paper Wasp nest (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistes metricus)
- Acrobasis nuxvorell Archives - Entomology Today
- Pecan Nut Casebearer: New Guide Provides IPM Options
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Mesostenus