Olethreutinae

Walsingham, 1895

Olethreutine Leafroller Moths

Genus Guides

Olethreutinae is a of tortricid moths comprising approximately 1,100 worldwide. Members are commonly known as olethreutine leafroller moths. The subfamily includes economically significant agricultural and forestry pests, such as the Hickory Shuckworm (Cydia caryana) and cotton-feeding species in the tribe Eucosmini. are typically attracted to ultraviolet light. Larval associations span diverse plant including Malvaceae, Rosaceae, and Salicaceae, with some species exhibiting specialized relationships with Arctic flora.

Eucosma cana by (c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Epinotia normanana by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.

Epinotia nigralbana by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Olethreutinae: /oˌlɛθrɛˈwtiˌnaɪ/

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

Identification

Olethreutinae can be distinguished from the other major Tortricinae by genitalic and wing venation characters, though these require microscopic examination. The tribe Eucosmini, a large group within Olethreutinae, is characterized by specific morphological features used in taxonomic keys. Many require dissection and comparison with reference collections for definitive identification; some remain taxonomically unresolved.

Images

Habitat

range from lowland tropical and subtropical zones to Arctic tundra. Collection records span elevations from 50 m to 3,100 m in montane regions. Specific habitat associations include: Arctic environments (Olethreutes inquietana and O. mengelana); high mountain ranges in eastern Asia; agricultural and forest where plants occur.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with concentration in temperate and tropical regions. Documented from: Taiwan (53 in tribe Eucosmini, 12 ); Arctic regions (far north); eastern Asia and Palearctic (widespread species); nearly distribution for some species (Crocidosema lantana, C. plebejana).

Host Associations

Pedicularis - larval for Olethreutes inquietana in Arctic
Dryas - larval for Olethreutes mengelana in Arctic
Carya - larval Hickory; for Cydia caryana (Hickory Shuckworm)
Lantana camara - larval for Crocidosema lantana, used in
Gossypium - larval cotton; for Crocidosema plebejana and other Eucosmini
Malvaceae (multiple genera) - larval including Abelmoschus, Abutilon, Althaea, Anoda, Gossypium, Hibiscus, Kosteletzkya, Lavatera, Malva, Malvastrum, Malvaviscus, Sida
Salix - larval willows; including Salix safsaf
Crataegus - larval hawthorns
Mentha - larval mints
Perilla frutescens - larval Lamiaceae
Eucalyptus - larval Myrtaceae
Annona muricata - larval Annonaceae
Parkinsonia aculeata - larval Fabaceae
Foeniculum piperatum - larval Apiaceae
Cucurbita pepo - larval Cucurbitaceae
Turnera ulmifolia - larval Turneraceae
Barleria - larval Acanthaceae
Tachilus thunbergii - larval Lauraceae

Behavior

are attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light and UV bucket traps. Some larvae feed as concealed borers in fruits, seeds, or stems rather than as external leafrollers.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores on diverse plant . The includes some of the most economically important fruit pests globally, with significant implications. Some have been introduced deliberately for of weeds (e.g., Crocidosema lantana for camara control).

Human Relevance

Major agricultural and forestry pests with substantial economic impact. Cydia caryana (Hickory Shuckworm) damages hickory and pecan crops. Crocidosema plebejana is a common cotton pest across multiple regions. Several are subject to regulations due to their pest status. Some species used as agents for plants.

Similar Taxa

TortricinaeOther major of Tortricidae; distinguished by genitalic and wing venation characters requiring microscopic examination
ChlidanotinaeSmaller tortricid ; Olethreutinae differs in morphological and larval traits