Sciota subcaesiella
(Clemens, 1860)
Locust Leafroller Moth
Sciota subcaesiella, commonly known as the locust leafroller , is a of pyralid moth found across eastern and central North America. The larvae 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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Habitat
Associated with Robinia trees, including black locust, bristly locust, and clammy locust. Larvae 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
Larvae feed on Robinia hispida (bristly locust), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), Robinia viscosa (clammy locust), and Robinia nana (dwarf locust).
Host Associations
- Robinia hispida - larval food plantbristly locust
- Robinia pseudoacacia - larval food plantblack locust
- Robinia viscosa - larval food plantclammy locust
- Robinia nana - larval food plantdwarf locust
Behavior
Larvae are leafrollers, constructing shelters by rolling or folding leaves of Robinia .
Ecological Role
Herbivore on Robinia trees. Serves as prey for predatory , including the four-toothed mason wasp (Monobia quadridens), which has been documented hunting Sciota subcaesiella larvae.
Human Relevance
Considered a minor pest of black locust and related Robinia . The species is also known to be preyed upon by beneficial predatory that help control caterpillar .
Similar Taxa
- Sciota uvinellaSimilar and (Sweetgum Leafroller), but feeds on Liquidambar rather than Robinia
More Details
Predation by wasps
Documented as prey of Monobia quadridens (Four-toothed Mason Wasp), a solitary that hunts small leafroller caterpillars to provision its nests.