Pandemis coniferana
Mutuura, 1978
A small tortricid found in coniferous forests of western North America. are active in mid to late summer with a wingspan exceeding 17.5 mm. The was originally described in the Archepandemis but is currently placed in Pandemis. Larvae feed on needles of several conifer species including pines, firs, spruces, and junipers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pandemis coniferana: //pænˈdeɪ.mɪs kəˌnɪ.fəˈreɪ.nə//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Pandemis by association with coniferous forest and geographic restriction to western North America. active in July. Specific wing pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Appearance
Wingspan over 17.5 mm.
Habitat
Coniferous forests.
Distribution
Western North America: recorded from Alberta, British Columbia, and California.
Seasonality
on wing from mid to late July.
Diet
Larvae feed on needles of conifer : Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine), Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir), Juniperus species, Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce), and Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock). diet unknown.
Life Cycle
Larval stage feeds on conifer needles. emerge mid to late July. Specific details of and stage not documented.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on conifer needles; contributes to nutrient cycling in coniferous forest .
Similar Taxa
- Pandemis lamprosanaAlso in Pandemis; differs in geographic range and plant associations.
- Other Pandemis speciesMany occur in deciduous forests or have different seasonal activity; conifer specialization and July period help distinguish P. coniferana.
Misconceptions
Originally described as Archepandemis coniferana; some sources still use this combination, but current places the in Pandemis.