Ancylis divisana
(Walker, 1863)
Two-toned Ancylis Moth
Ancylis divisana, the two-toned ancylis , is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. It is broadly distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from 21 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. are active from March through October, and larvae feed on several hardwood tree including oaks, chestnut, hornbeam, and sycamore.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ancylis divisana: /ˈæŋsɪlɪs dɪˈvaɪzənə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The small size (10–13 mm wingspan) and the distinctive two-toned wing pattern distinguish this from larger tortricids. Specific diagnostic characters separating it from other Ancylis species are not documented in available sources.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan 10–13 mm. The specific color pattern is not detailed in available sources, but the "two-toned" suggests contrasting coloration on the wings.
Habitat
Associated with deciduous hardwood forests and woodlands containing trees: Carpinus (hornbeam), Castanea (chestnut), Quercus (oak), and Platanus (sycamore).
Distribution
Eastern and central North America: recorded from Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Seasonality
active from March to October, indicating a multi-brooded or extended period across its range.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of Carpinus , Castanea dentata (American chestnut), Quercus species (oaks), and Platanus species including Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Carpinus - larval hornbeam
- Castanea dentata - larval American chestnut
- Quercus - larval oak
- Platanus - larval sycamore , including Platanus occidentalis
Life Cycle
Complete with larval development on foliage. Specific details on sites, number of , and stage are not documented.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on hardwood trees; contributes to leaf damage in forest . Specific ecological impacts or -prey relationships are not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic importance. Not known as a significant pest. American chestnut (Castanea dentata) is functionally extinct in the wild due to chestnut blight, potentially reducing availability in parts of the range.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ancylis speciesSimilar small size and tortricid wing shape; precise identification requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described as Grapholita divisana Walker, 1863; transferred to Ancylis. Basionym preserved in synonymy.
Observation frequency
Over 1,500 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is frequently encountered and photographed by naturalists within its range.