tortricine leafroller moths

Tortricinae is a very large subfamily of small moths called tortricine leafroller moths. There are 956 genera in 11 tribes worldwide, at least 384 species in 58 genera in 6 tribes in North America north of Mexico, and at least 97 species in 28 genera in 5 tribes in Minnesota.

Most adults are active at night and will come to lights. They have a distinctive zigzagging or dancing flight pattern. The rapid changes in direction are thought to help them avoid predators.

Individual larvae fold over or roll over an edge of a leaf and secure it with silk, creating a chamber in which they live and feed. This is the feature that gives the family and subfamily the common name “leafroller moths”.

Some Tortricinae are agricultural pests, including codling moth (Cydia pomonella), an introduced species that causes damage to pears and apples. Some are pests of desirable native species, including eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), which is a major pest of the timber industry. Some have been introduced to be used as biological control agents against invasive weeds.

Most tortricine leafroller moths are micromoths, which is an artificial grouping of moths with a wingspan less than ¾″ (20 mm).

The sensory mouthparts (palps) are often prominent and curved upward.

The forewings have fewer veins than other tortricid moths, resulting in lighter weight and allowing greater speed and maneuverability. They typically have complex and intricate wing markings.

The caterpillars are typically smooth and hairless. They have well-developed abdominal leg-like structures (prolegs) and a hump on the back of the thorax.

Tortricinae is a very large and very diverse subfamily, hence the use of the words “typically”, “often”, “some”, and “most” in this short description.

Sources

24, 30, 82.

Location: Woodbury, MN