Sciota subcaesiella
(Clemens, 1860)
Locust Leafroller Moth
Sciota subcaesiella, commonly known as the , is a of moth found across eastern and central North America. The feed on various Robinia species, particularly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related locust trees. The species is recognized as a leafroller, with larvae that roll or fold leaves to create sheltered feeding sites.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sciota subcaesiella: /ˈsaɪ.ə.tə səbˌsiːziˈɛlə/
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Images
Habitat
Associated with Robinia trees, including black , bristly locust, and clammy locust. inhabit rolled or folded leaves of these trees.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America. Documented from Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Iowa, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Vermont, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
Diet
feed on Robinia hispida (bristly ), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), Robinia viscosa (clammy locust), and Robinia nana (dwarf locust).
Host Associations
- Robinia hispida - larval bristly
- Robinia pseudoacacia - larval black
- Robinia viscosa - larval clammy
- Robinia nana - larval dwarf
Behavior
are , constructing shelters by rolling or folding leaves of Robinia .
Ecological Role
on Robinia trees. Serves as for predatory , including the four-toothed (Monobia quadridens), which has been documented hunting Sciota subcaesiella .
Human Relevance
Considered a minor pest of black and related Robinia . The species is also known to be preyed upon by predatory that help control .
Similar Taxa
- Sciota uvinellaSimilar and (Sweetgum ), but feeds on Liquidambar rather than Robinia
More Details
Predation by wasps
Documented as of Monobia quadridens (Four-toothed ), a solitary that hunts small to provision its nests.