Cenopis mesospila
Zeller, 1875
White-tailed Fruitworm, White-tailed Fruitworm Moth
A of eastern North America, historically classified under Sparganothis but now placed in Cenopis. are small moths with distinctive patterning. The references both the adult's appearance and its larval association with fruit.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cenopis mesospila: /sɛˈnoʊpɪs ˌmɛsəˈspaɪlə/
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Identification
The combination of yellowish-tan with markings and conspicuously separates this from most similar Cenopis and Sparganothis . Cenopis directana (Chokecherry ) has more uniformly colored without the contrasting white hindwings. Cenopis pettitana shows different forewing pattern elements. examination may be required for definitive identification of worn specimens.
Images
Appearance
are yellowish to tan with variable brownish markings; the are to pale gray, giving the 'white-tailed' appearance. Wingspan approximately 15-20 mm. The pattern includes a darker and often a spot. Resting posture is typical of , with held roof-like over the body.
Habitat
Deciduous forests, woodland edges, and areas with fruit-bearing shrubs and trees. Associated with plants in the Rosaceae .
Distribution
Eastern North America: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Seasonality
have been recorded from May through August, with peak activity in June and July. Multiple may occur.
Diet
feed on fruits of Rosaceae, including cherry (Prunus), apple (Malus), and possibly other stone and pome fruits.
Host Associations
- Prunus - larval cherry
- Malus - larval apple
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Larvae are fruit borers, feeding inside developing fruits. stage not definitively established; likely as larva or pupa.
Behavior
are and attracted to light. bore into fruits and feed internally, causing damage characteristic of .
Ecological Role
As a fruit-boring , acts as a consumer of Rosaceae fruits. Contributes to natural fruit abortion and may serve as for and birds.
Human Relevance
Minor pest of cultivated cherry and apple, though generally less damaging than primary fruit pests. Larval feeding causes fruit drop and internal damage.
Similar Taxa
- Cenopis directanaSimilar size and general appearance, but lacks and has more uniform coloration
- Cenopis pettitanaOverlapping range and ; differs in pattern details
- Sparganothis sulfureanaFormerly congeneric; coloration differs from C. mesospila's tan and pattern
Misconceptions
Long classified in Sparganothis based on superficial resemblance; molecular and morphological data support placement in Cenopis.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Zeller in 1875. Transferred from Sparganothis to Cenopis based on revised generic concepts in . The name 'mesospila' refers to the middle spot pattern on the .