Hendecaneura shawiana

(Kearfott, 1907)

Blueberry Tip Borer Moth

Hendecaneura shawiana is a commonly known as the blueberry tip borer. It is a with one per year. The are specialized feeders that bore into the shoot tips of blueberry plants, causing characteristic dieback damage. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated blueberry in northeastern North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hendecaneura shawiana: /ˌhɛn.dɛ.kəˈnɪʊ.ra ʃɔˈja.nə/

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

Identification

are small typical of the Tortricidae. are internal feeders within blueberry shoot tips, making them difficult to detect until damage appear. The presence of wilting or dying shoot tips on blueberry plants during the growing season may indicate larval activity.

Habitat

Blueberry plantings and areas where blueberry (Vaccinium) grows.

Distribution

Documented from New Brunswick, Canada. Likely present in blueberry-growing regions of northeastern North America based on association.

Seasonality

emerge in late spring to early summer. Larval activity occurs during the growing season. One per year.

Diet

feed on blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), boring into and consuming tissue within shoot tips.

Host Associations

  • Vaccinium - primary blueberry

Life Cycle

(one per year). are laid on blueberry shoots. bore into shoot tips and feed internally. occurs in the soil. emerge in late spring to early summer.

Behavior

are tip borers that feed inside blueberry shoot tips, causing the growth to and die. This internal feeding habit protects larvae from external and environmental conditions.

Ecological Role

Pest of cultivated blueberry. Damage to shoot tips reduces vigor and potential fruit production.

Human Relevance

Recognized as an agricultural pest affecting blueberry . Management may be required in commercial plantings to prevent .

Similar Taxa

  • Other tortricid borers in OlethreutinaeSimilar larval boring and ; distinguished by to blueberry and geographic range
  • Grapholita spp.Other pests of Vaccinium; distinguished by specific larval feeding location in shoot tips versus fruit or other parts

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Sources and further reading