Argyrotaenia

Stephens, 1852

leafroller moths

Argyrotaenia is a of in the tribe Archipini, established by in 1852. The genus includes commonly known as moths due to the larval habit of rolling or folding leaves for shelter. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in orchards. The genus has a primarily New World distribution, with species ranging from North America through Central and South America, and has been recorded as far south as Argentina and Chile. Some species exhibit in pattern and size.

Argyrotaenia velutinana by (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Argyrotaenia alisellana by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Argyrotaenia floridana by (c) John P Friel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John P Friel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argyrotaenia: /ˌɑːrɡɪroʊˈtiːniə/

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

Identification

in this are small to -sized with characteristic patterns that often include or mottled coloration. -level identification typically requires examination of . may show in wing shape and pattern, as documented in A. socoromaensis where males and females differ in wing size and markings. The genus is distinguished from related tortricid genera by genitalic characters, particularly in the male valva and female sterigma.

Images

Habitat

vary by and include temperate and tropical forests, agricultural areas, and arid Andean environments. A. socoromaensis was described from the arid Andes of northern Chile at elevations in the Andean zone. A. amatana is to Florida. Many species occupy deciduous forest habitats where their plants occur.

Distribution

New World distribution: North America (eastern Great Plains to Atlantic coast, north to Canada), Central America, and South America. Argentina records include Neuquén, Buenos Aires, and Tucumán provinces. A. socoromaensis represents the first Chilean record for the . A. sphaleropa is widespread in the New World tropics. GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Vermont (USA), and other US locations, though these may represent or data artifacts.

Seasonality

periods vary by and latitude. A. velutinana is active over much of the year. A. amatana flight period is documented for Florida. Spring-emerging species occur in temperate regions, with some species showing single- cycles and others .

Host Associations

Stevia philippiana - larval Asteraceae; for A. socoromaensis
Lupinus oreophilus - larval Fabaceae; for A. socoromaensis
deciduous trees and shrubs - larval general range for many Argyrotaenia including apple, oak, elm
herbaceous plants - larval broad range including leaves and fruits
citrus - larval referenced in literature for related , though A. citrana report from South America was erroneous

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Larvae are , constructing shelters by folding or rolling leaves. occurs in a folded leaf on the ground in A. velutinana. Some have one per year; others are .

Behavior

exhibit , creating shelters by folding or rolling leaves and feeding within. Male A. velutinana show reduced ability to locate calling females in the presence of synthetic , demonstrating potential for . are and attracted to light.

Ecological Role

function as on diverse . Some are occasional to significant agricultural pests in orchards, particularly on apple. The represents a component of diversity in New World , with A. socoromaensis representing the first documented member of tribe Archipini in Chile.

Human Relevance

Several are agricultural pests of economic concern, particularly in apple orchards. A. velutinana (redbanded ) is an occasional orchard pest east of the Rocky Mountains. -based has been investigated as a management strategy. Taxonomic research on the supports identification and management of .

Similar Taxa

ProteoterasBoth are with ; Proteoteras includes twig-boring like P. aesculana on maple, distinguished by larval habit and
ChoristoneuraBoth in tribe Archipini with similar ; Choristoneura includes significant forest pests like , distinguished by preferences and geographic distribution
ArchipsLarger archipine with similar ; Archips typically larger with different pattern elements