Clepsis virescana

(Clemens, 1865)

Greenish Apple Moth, Light Brown Apple Moth

Clepsis virescana is a small tortricid native to North America. It inhabits shrubby open areas and aspen parkland across southern Canada and much of the United States. fly from spring through late summer, with larvae feeding on leaves of Prunus and Rosa .

Clepsis virescana by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.Clepsis virescana by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.Clepsis virescana P1120471a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Clepsis virescana: //ˈklɛpsɪs ˌvɪrəˈskɑːnə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar Clepsis by combination of geographic distribution, period, and larval associations. Forewing length of 6.4–9.1 mm provides a measurable character. Exact diagnostic features separating it from are not detailed in available sources.

Images

Appearance

Small with forewings measuring 6.4–9.1 mm in length. Forewings are greenish to light brown in coloration. Wing pattern and exact coloration details are not well documented in available sources.

Habitat

Shrubby open areas and aspen parkland. Occupies with woody shrubs, particularly those supporting plants in the Prunus and Rosa.

Distribution

Widespread in North America. Recorded from southern Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and most of the United States. Vermont distribution confirmed.

Seasonality

have been recorded on wing from April to September.

Diet

Larvae feed on both fresh and decaying leaves of Prunus and Rosa .

Host Associations

  • Prunus - larval food plantBoth fresh and decaying leaves consumed
  • Rosa - larval food plantBoth fresh and decaying leaves consumed

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larval stage associated with leaf feeding on plants. details not documented.

Behavior

; attracted to light. Larvae roll or tie leaves for shelter, consistent with leafroller characteristics.

Ecological Role

Herbivore in shrubland and parkland . Larvae process leaf material of woody shrubs, contributing to nutrient cycling through consumption of both fresh and decaying foliage.

Human Relevance

Potential minor pest of cultivated Prunus and Rosa , though economic significance is not documented. Attracted to artificial light sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Clepsis peritanaCongeneric leafroller with similar size and preferences; distinguished by different associations and geographic patterns
  • Other Clepsis speciesMany share similar ; precise identification often requires examination of genitalia or molecular data not covered in general sources

More Details

Common name confusion

The "light brown apple moth" is shared with Epiphyas postvittana, an Australian that is a major agricultural pest. Clepsis virescana is not the same species and lacks documented economic impact.

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Sources and further reading