Sciota basilaris
(Zeller, 1872)
Yellow-shouldered Leafroller
A small in the Pyralidae, commonly known as the Yellow-shouldered Leafroller. The occurs in North America, with records from the northern United States and central Canada. Larvae are known to feed on sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and other plants, rolling leaves for shelter. The species is of minor economic significance as a leafroller pest.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sciota basilaris: /ˈsaɪ.oʊtə ˌbæsɪˈlærɪs/
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Distribution
Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada; Vermont in the United States. Additional records likely exist across the northern Great Plains and northeastern North America given the documented plant range.
Diet
Larvae feed on sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) leaves, creating rolled leaf shelters. The specific 'Sweetgum Leafroller' has been applied to this in some literature, though this name is also used for the related species Sciota uvinella.
Host Associations
- Liquidambar styraciflua - larval food plantsweetgum
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae construct rolled leaf shelters on plants. Specific timing of and stage not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Larvae are leafrollers, constructing shelters by rolling or folding leaves of the plant and feeding from within. This provides protection from and desiccation.
Ecological Role
Larvae function as herbivores on sweetgum and potentially other hardwood trees. They serve as prey for various and . The is specifically documented as prey for the mason wasp Monobia quadridens, which provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars.
Human Relevance
Minor pest status on sweetgum in ornamental and forest settings. Leafrolling damage is generally cosmetic rather than economically significant. The is not a major agricultural pest.
Similar Taxa
- Sciota uvinellaAlso known as the Sweetgum Leafroller; shares plant and similar larval . Historical literature may have confused or conflated these . S. uvinella is explicitly documented as prey for Monobia quadridens, while S. basilaris is less frequently referenced in biological studies.