Gymnandrosoma

Dyar, 1904

Species Guides

Gymnandrosoma desotanum
Gymnandrosoma punctidiscanum(Dotted Gymnandrosoma Moth)

Gymnandrosoma is a of tortricid moths in the tribe Grapholitini. The genus includes at least eight described distributed primarily in the Americas. Gymnandrosoma aurantianum, the most economically significant species, is a major agricultural pest known as the citrus fruit borer in Brazil and the macadamia nut borer in Central America. Other species in the genus have been described from North and South America, with limited biological information available.

Gymnandrosoma desotanum by (c) jimeckert49, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Gymnandrosoma pithecolobiae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gymnandrosoma: /dʒɪmˌnændroʊˈsoʊmə/

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

Images

Habitat

in this occur in diverse environments including native forests, orchards, and urban landscapes. Gymnandrosoma aurantianum has been recorded below 500 m elevation in most locations, though in Rica occur at higher elevations up to 1165 m.

Distribution

Native to much of South America; possibly introduced in Central America and the Caribbean. Documented from Brazil (São Paulo state, Barretos, Bebedouro, Monte Azul Paulista, Itápolis, Taquaral), Rica (Tilarán, Turrialba, Juan Viñas), and Guatemala. GBIF records indicate presence in Vermont, USA.

Host Associations

Citrus sinensis - Primary for G. aurantianum in Brazil
Macadamia integrifolia - for G. aurantianum in Central America
Rutaceae - HOST_FAMILYPrimary plant attacked by G. aurantianum
Sapindaceae - HOST_FAMILYSecondary plant including macadamia

Human Relevance

Gymnandrosoma aurantianum causes severe economic damage to citrus and macadamia crops. In Brazil, losses to orange orchards were estimated at 80 million USD, with earlier estimates of 50 million USD in São Paulo state alone. The has been intercepted at international ports in citrus shipments from Brazil, prompting suggestions for inclusion on the EPPO Alert List.

Similar Taxa

Other Grapholitini generaGymnandrosoma belongs to the tribe Grapholitini, which contains numerous fruit-boring tortricid pests; -level identification requires examination of genitalia and wing patterns
CryptophlebiaBoth contain fruit-boring tortricids with similar economic impacts; Cryptophlebia illepida and C. ombrodelta are known as macadamia nut borers in overlapping geographic regions