Acrolepiopsis heppneri
Gaedike, 1984
A small North American in the Glyphipterigidae, previously placed in . have forewings 5–5.6 mm in length. Larvae are feeders on Smilax tamnoides, skeletonizing leaves from within silken shelters. The is documented from the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrolepiopsis heppneri: /ˌækrəˌlɛpiˈɒpsɪs ˈhɛpnɛraɪ/
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Identification
Forewing length of 5–5.6 mm distinguishes this from larger congeneric . Larval association with Smilax tamnoides and the characteristic black, -covered silken feeding tube placed alongside leaf provide diagnostic features. The pale green larval coloration with pale brownish-yellow differs from some related species.
Appearance
are small with forewings measuring 5–5.6 mm. Larvae are pale green with a pale brownish-yellow .
Distribution
Eastern and central United States: Connecticut, New Hampshire, south to Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, west to Illinois.
Diet
Larvae feed on Smilax tamnoides, skeletonizing the underside of leaves.
Host Associations
- Smilax tamnoides - larval larvae skeletonize underside of leaves
Life Cycle
Larvae construct black, -covered silken tubes placed alongside leaf for feeding and shelter.
Behavior
Larvae feed from within silken tubes, skeletonizing leaf undersides while remaining concealed.
Similar Taxa
- Other Acrolepiopsis speciescongeneric with similar ; A. heppneri distinguished by smaller size (5–5.6 mm forewings) and specific association with Smilax tamnoides