Cydia toreuta

(Grote, 1873)

Eastern Pine Seedworm Moth

Cydia toreuta, commonly known as the eastern pine seedworm , is a small moth to North America. The is a seed , with feeding exclusively on the seeds of red pine (Pinus resinosa) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana). It is considered a minor forest pest that reduces seed viability in conifer stands.

- 3486 – Cydia toreuta – Eastern Pine Seedworm Moth (48128280977) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.1912. Cones infested by cone moth (Laspeyresia torteuta). Bray, California. (38189914112) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.Cydia toreuta by Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, United States. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cydia toreuta: //ˈsɪdiə tɔːˈruːtə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Cydia by association with Pinus resinosa and Pinus banksiana seeds. () is larger and associated with apple and pear. Cydia latiferreana (filbertworm) feeds on hazelnuts and oaks. Definitive identification requires examination of or molecular methods.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan approximately 13 mm. Typical with folded roof-like over body at rest. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Coniferous forests dominated by red pine and jack pine. Occurs in natural pine stands and plantations where trees are present.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Vermont and other parts of the United States. Range corresponds with distribution of Pinus resinosa and Pinus banksiana.

Diet

feed on seeds of Pinus resinosa (red pine) and Pinus banksiana (jack pine). No other are documented.

Host Associations

  • Pinus resinosa - larval red pine
  • Pinus banksiana - larval jack pine

Ecological Role

Seed that reduces conifer seed viability. Impact on forest is generally minor due to sporadic distribution and partial seed consumption.

Human Relevance

Minor forestry pest. Larval feeding reduces seed collection yields for reforestation programs. Not known to cause significant to timber production.

Similar Taxa

  • Cydia pomonellaSimilar but larger, with wingspan 15-22 mm, and feeds on apple and pear rather than pine seeds
  • Cydia latiferreanaSimilar but feeds on hazelnuts and acorns; different association and geographic distribution

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Penthina toreuta by Grote in 1873, later transferred to Cydia.

Tags

Sources and further reading