Ancylis comptana
Strawberry leafroller
Ancylis comptana is a whose roll leaves of plants, historically recognized as a significant pest in North strawberry . The has undergone taxonomic revision, with formerly identified as A. comptana now often assigned to A. fragariae or other species, creating confusion in older literature. are small moths with distinctive patterns. The remains under study.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ancylis comptana: /ˈæn.sɪ.lɪs ˈkɒmp.tə.nə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Ancylis by pattern: pale oblique from to , often with a darker spot at the bend. examination required for definitive separation from A. fragariae and related species. Larval on is characteristic but not unique to this species.
Habitat
Agricultural and wild where plants (Fragaria spp.) occur. Found in fields, gardens, and open areas with plants.
Distribution
Historically reported from eastern and central North America; current distribution complicated by taxonomic splitting of the . Records require verification against modern .
Seasonality
active from late spring through summer, with multiple in southern parts of range. Timing varies with latitude.
Diet
feed on leaves of (Fragaria spp.), rolling leaves to form shelters. Feeding can damage foliage and reduce vigor.
Host Associations
- Fragaria - larval primary
Life Cycle
laid on leaves. hatch and immediately begin rolling leaf edges, feeding within the shelter. occurs within the rolled leaf. emerge to mate and oviposit. Multiple per year in favorable climates.
Behavior
are solitary and construct tight leaf rolls by drawing leaf edges together with . They remain within these shelters when not feeding. are and attracted to light.
Ecological Role
on plants; can reduce photosynthetic capacity of plants. Serves as for and .
Human Relevance
Recognized as a pest of cultivated , though economic impact has diminished with improved control practices and taxonomic clarification. Historical literature may conflate this with A. fragariae.
Similar Taxa
- Ancylis fragariaeFormerly confused with A. comptana; now considered a separate occupying similar . Requires dissection for reliable separation.
- Ancylis divisanaSimilar pattern and size; distinguished by subtle differences in markings and male .
- Ancylis guttiferanaOverlapping distribution and use; distinguished by more pronounced spot on .
Misconceptions
Older literature and pest management references often used 'A. comptana' for what is now recognized as A. fragariae. Modern identifications should be verified against current .
More Details
Taxonomic history
The name A. comptana has been applied inconsistently. Walker (1863) described comptana from North America, but later authors recognized that -feeding represented multiple . Razowski (2003) and subsequent have restricted the name, leading to ongoing confusion in applied literature.
Nomenclatural note
The suffix '-of-authors' indicates that this name has been used in a broad sense by various authors and may not correspond to the currently restricted concept of the .