Tortricid Moths

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tortricoidea: //tɔrˌtrɪkoʊˈɪdiə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

The Tortricidae are a diverse family of moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths, comprised of over 11,000 species. They are significant agricultural pests, particularly in fruit production, with a distinctive rounded resting posture and varied larval feeding habits.

Physical Characteristics

Tortricid moths are generally small, with a wingspan of 3 cm or less. Many species are drab with mottled and marbled brown colors, while some diurnal species are brightly colored and mimic other moths from the families Geometridae and Pyralidae.

Identification Tips

The typical resting posture of Tortricid moths is with wings folded back, producing a rounded profile.

Habitat

Tortricids are usually associated with their host plants, which can include fruit trees and other vegetation where they can feed and develop.

Distribution

Tortricids are widely distributed and can be found in various regions across North America, South America, Europe, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, particularly in areas where apples and other susceptible plants are grown.

Diet

Larvae in the subfamilies Chlidanotinae and Olethreutinae typically feed by boring into stems, roots, buds, or seeds, while those in the subfamily Tortricinae typically construct leaf rolls and feed externally.

Life Cycle

Eggs are often flattened and scale-like. The life cycle includes an egg stage, several larval instars, a pupal stage, and finally the adult moth.

Reproduction

Tortricid moths typically reproduce sexually, and females lay eggs in environments conducive to larval survival.

Ecosystem Role

Tortricids play important roles as herbivores in the ecosystem, influencing plant health and growth. Some species are also significant as pests affecting agricultural crops.

Economic Impact

Several members of the family, such as the codling moth and fruit tree tortrix moth, are economically important pests affecting fruit production, particularly apples.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps
• Bait traps
• Manual collection from host plants

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Drying
• Alcohol storage

Similar Taxa

• Heliocosma (sometimes placed within Tortricoidea)
• Olethreutidae (junior synonym)

Misconceptions

Many Tortricidae are mistaken for geometrid or pyralid moths due to their coloration and resting posture.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Tortricidae
• Moths
• Pests
• Agricultural impact