Gretchena bolliana
(Slingerland, 1896)
Pecan Bud Moth, Gray-flanked Gretchena Moth
Gretchena bolliana is a small native to the southern and southwestern United States. The is an economic pest of pecan orchards, where feed on foliage of Carya illinoinensis. It completes multiple annually in its warm-climate range.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gretchena bolliana: /ˈɡrɛtʃənə bɔˈliːənə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
May be distinguished from other Gretchena by geographic range and association with pecan plants, though specific diagnostic morphological features require specialist examination.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan approximately 17 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with pecan orchards and natural stands of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). Specific microhabitat preferences beyond plant presence are not documented.
Distribution
United States: South Carolina to Florida, westward to Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Seasonality
Probably five or six per year in its native range, with year-round activity possible in warmer southern portions of its distribution.
Diet
feed on foliage of Carya illinoinensis (pecan). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Carya illinoinensis - larval food plantfoliage
Life Cycle
Multivoltine, with five or six per year. Specific details of , larval, pupal, and stages are not documented in available sources.
Ecological Role
on pecan foliage. Potential in cultivated pecan systems.
Human Relevance
Recognized as a pest of pecan orchards due to larval foliage feeding. directly references this agricultural association.
Similar Taxa
- Other Gretchena speciescongeneric in the same , requiring specialist examination for reliable identification
- Other Olethreutinae tortricidssimilar size and general ; plant association and geographic range aid in distinguishing G. bolliana
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Steganoptycha bolliana by Slingerland in 1896, later transferred to Gretchena.