Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625
Argyrotaenia mariana
This record describes Argyrotaenia mariana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult - large dark gray patch (roughly triangular) extends from costa about halfway across forewing, contrasting sharply with pale yellowish or whitish ground color; a greenish-yellow band connects the two dark patches when the wings are together in the resting position.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Tortricinae
- Tribe
- Archipini
- Genus
- Argyrotaenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Records throughout the eastern United States and Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia. , Type locality: Orono, Maine.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, and occasionally forbs.
Life History
Eggs are laid on leaves and twigs. First instar larvae suspend themselves on silken lines and occasionally get dispersed by wind to other plants. Early instars skeletonize leaves, later instars either roll the leaves or tie several together, or tie a leaf to a fruit and feed on both. Overwinters as pupa.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "In naming this beautiful species for my wife, Maria E. Fernald , I wish to say that I am indebted to her more than to all others for assistance and encouragement in my studies."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Argyrotaenia mariana. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , anitagould , marcie oconnor , Randy Hardy , Jason Dombroskie
Frequently Asked Questions About Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625
What is Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625?
Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625 (Argyrotaenia mariana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625?
Wingspan 19-21 mm.
How do you identify Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625?
Adult - large dark gray patch (roughly triangular) extends from costa about halfway across forewing, contrasting sharply with pale yellowish or whitish ground color; a greenish-yellow band connects the two dark patches when the wings are together in the resting position.
Where is Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625 found?
Range: Records throughout the eastern United States and Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia. , Type locality: Orono, Maine.
What does Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625 eat?
The diet of the Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625 includes Larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, and occasionally forbs..
What is the life cycle of a Gray-banded Leafroller - Hodges#3625?
Eggs are laid on leaves and twigs. First instar larvae suspend themselves on silken lines and occasionally get dispersed by wind to other plants. Early instars skeletonize leaves, later instars either roll the leaves or tie several together, or tie a leaf to a fruit and feed on both. Overwinters as pupa.