Gypsonoma salicicolana

(Clemens, 1864)

Small Gypsonoma Moth

Gypsonoma salicicolana is a small tortricid occurring across much of North America. The is a on willows (Salix), with larvae feeding on leaves of several documented species. are active primarily in late spring and early summer. The specific epithet 'salicicolana' reflects this association with Salix.

Gypsonoma salicicolana P1500420a by 
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Gypsonoma salicicolana P1250002a by 
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Gypsonoma salicicolana P1500416a by 
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gypsonoma salicicolana: //dʒɪpˈsɒnəmə ˌsælɪsɪkəˈleɪnə//

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

Identification

Small size (forewings 4.3–6.2 mm) distinguishes it from larger tortricids. May be separated from congeneric by genitalia examination; external features require knowledge. Association with Salix and geographic range may aid identification in context.

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Habitat

supporting willow , including riparian zones, wetlands, and open areas with Salix. Specific microhabitat preferences not documented.

Distribution

North America: Quebec to Florida, west through Texas to California, north to Alberta. Additional records from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Seasonality

Main period May to July. Larval stage timing not specified in sources.

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of Salix . Documented : Salix cordata, Salix humilis, Salix interior. feeding habits unknown.

Host Associations

  • Salix cordata - larval food plant
  • Salix humilis - larval food plant
  • Salix interior - larval food plant

Life Cycle

Complete (, larva, pupa, ). Larval stage leaf-feeding on Salix. site and stage not documented.

Ecological Role

Herbivore: larval leaf-feeding on willows. Potential prey for and ; specific relationships not documented.

Human Relevance

No documented economic or medical significance. Occasionally encountered in general surveys and biodiversity assessments.

Similar Taxa

  • Gypsonoma speciesCongeneric require genitalia examination for reliable separation; external similar.
  • Other small OlethreutinaeSimilar size and general appearance; identification to requires knowledge of tortricid .

More Details

Etymology

Specific epithet 'salicicolana' derives from Salix (willow ) + -cola (dweller/inhabitant), reflecting larval association.

Nomenclatural history

Originally described as Hedya salicicolana by Clemens in 1864; later transferred to Gypsonoma.

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Sources and further reading