Strepsicrates smithiana
Walsingham, 1891
bayberry leaftier moth, Smith's strepsicrates moth
Strepsicrates smithiana is a small tortricid with a wingspan of 14–15 mm. It is native to southern North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, and was introduced to Hawaii in 1955 as a agent. The is notable for its leaf-tying larval and specialized feeding on Myricaceae and Myrtaceae plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Strepsicrates smithiana: //ˌstrɛpsɪˈkreɪtiːz smɪˈθiːˌænə//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar tortricids by association with Myricaceae plants and leaf-tying larval . Specific diagnostic characters for separating from congeneric are not documented in available sources.
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 14–15 mm. typical of Tortricidae; specific coloration and pattern details not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Coastal desert valleys in northern Chile; native tree on Myrica pavonis. In native range, associated with Myrica and Psidium plants in subtropical to tropical environments.
Distribution
Native range: southern North America (Texas, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts), Central America, Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, St. Vincent Island), and South America (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Chile). Introduced: Hawaii (Oahu, 1955).
Seasonality
Larvae collected in March, June, August, October, and January in northern Chile, suggesting year-round activity in favorable conditions. Specific periods not documented.
Diet
Larvae feed on Myrica cerifera, Myrica faya, Myrica pavonis (Myricaceae), and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae).
Host Associations
- Myrica cerifera - larval food plant
- Myrica faya - larval food plant
- Myrica pavonis - larval food plantnewly documented plant from Chile
- Psidium guajava - larval food plant
Life Cycle
not described. Larvae are leaf-tying, collected in multiple months indicating extended or year-round larval period. Pupae concealed among leaves or paper fragments bound with silk. emerge from pupae; both sexes present.
Behavior
Larvae roll or tie leaves of plants using silk, forming shelters within which they feed and pupate.
Ecological Role
Herbivore specializing on Myricaceae; potential agent for Myrica faya in Hawaii. Distribution appears linked to availability of plants.
Human Relevance
Introduced to Hawaii in 1955 for of Morella faya (formerly Myrica faya), an plant . No other documented economic or cultural significance.
Similar Taxa
- Other Strepsicrates speciesCongeneric may overlap in distribution and use; specific separation characters not documented
- Other tortricid leaf-rollersSimilar larval of leaf-tying; distinguished by plant specificity and
More Details
Taxonomic note
Some sources cite 1892 as the publication date, but 1891 is the correct date per original description.
Biological control history
Introduction to Hawaii in 1955 represents an intentional biocontrol release targeting an plant .