Cenopis mesospila

The combination of yellowish-tan forewings with brown markings and conspicuously white hindwings separates this from most similar Cenopis and Sparganothis species. Cenopis directana (Chokecherry Leafroller) has more uniformly colored wings without the contrasting white hindwings. Cenopis pettitana shows different forewing pattern elements. Genitalia examination may be required for definitive identification of worn specimens.

Adult forewings are yellowish to tan with variable brownish markings; the hindwings are white to pale gray, giving the 'white-tailed' appearance. Wingspan approximately 15-20 mm. The pattern includes a darker median band and often a costal spot. Resting posture is typical of Tortricidae, with wings held roof-like over the body.

Deciduous forests, woodland edges, and areas with fruit-bearing shrubs and trees. Associated with host plants in the Rosaceae family.

Eastern North America: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Adults have been recorded from May through August, with peak activity in June and July. Multiple generations may occur.

Larvae feed on fruits of Rosaceae, including cherry (Prunus), apple (Malus), and possibly other stone and pome fruits.

• Prunus - larval food plantcherry species
• Malus - larval food plantapple

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae are fruit borers, feeding inside developing fruits. Overwintering stage not definitively established; likely as larva or pupa.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae bore into fruits and feed internally, causing damage characteristic of fruitworm moths.

As a fruit-boring larva, acts as a consumer of Rosaceae fruits. Contributes to natural fruit abortion and may serve as prey for parasitoid wasps and birds.

Minor pest of cultivated cherry and apple, though generally less damaging than primary fruit pests. Larval feeding causes fruit drop and internal damage.

• Cenopis directanaSimilar size and general appearance, but lacks white hindwings and has more uniform forewing coloration
• Cenopis pettitanaOverlapping range and habitat; differs in forewing pattern details
• Sparganothis sulfureanaFormerly congeneric; yellow coloration differs from C. mesospila's tan and white pattern

Long classified in Sparganothis based on superficial resemblance; molecular and morphological data support placement in Cenopis.

• Tortricidae
• fruitworm
• pest
• Rosaceae
• eastern North America
• nocturnal

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life