Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429
Aspila prunivora
This record describes Aspila prunivora (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult - forewing pattern is distinctive with pale-yellow costal strigulae, silvery striae, a line of yellow scales preceding the black terminal line, and a well-developed ocellus with 3-4 black dashes. Genitalia: Larva - late instar larvae are approximately 7.5-9.5 mm in length with a pale-reddish abdomen. The head is yellowish brown with darker mottling. The prothoracic and anal shields are brown; the prothoracic shield may have some dark posterolateral markings. Pinacular are moderately large. An anal comb is present with 4-6 teeth.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Grapholitini
- Genus
- Aspila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Found throughout southern Canada and the continental U.S. It is absent from the far South. Moth Photographers Group – distribution & flight-period chart
Seasonal Activity
Two annual generations over much of its range. Adults are present in May to June and again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: In addition to feeding on various stone-fruits, larvae have also been recorded feeding inside galls.
Life History
Females lay eggs singly on young fruits or on the upper surface of leaves. Lavae tunnel into the fruit at the calyx end and feed inside. In apple, larvae may feed directly under the skin of the fruit, creating a blotchy mine. Overwintering occurs as a mature larva and pupation occurs in the spring.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet from Latin prunus + vorus meaning "plum-eater."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Aspila prunivora. 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 Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich , Randy Hardy , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429
What is Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429?
Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429 (Aspila prunivora) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429?
FWL ≈ 4-5.5mm Wingspan 8-10 mm.
How do you identify Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429?
Adult - forewing pattern is distinctive with pale-yellow costal strigulae, silvery striae, a line of yellow scales preceding the black terminal line, and a well-developed ocellus with 3-4 black dashes. Genitalia: Larva - late instar larvae are approximately 7.5-9.5 mm in length with a pale-reddish abdomen. The head is yellowish brown with darker mottling. The prothoracic and anal shields are brown; the prothoracic shield may have some dark posterolateral markings. Pinacular are moderately large. An anal comb is present with 4-6 teeth.
Where is Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429 found?
Range: Found throughout southern Canada and the continental U.S. It is absent from the far South. Moth Photographers Group – distribution & flight-period chart
What does Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429 eat?
The diet of the Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429 includes In addition to feeding on various stone-fruits, larvae have also been recorded feeding inside galls..
When is Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429 active?
Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429: seasonal activity - Two annual generations over much of its range. Adults are present in May to June and again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Appleworm Moth - Hodges#3429?
Females lay eggs singly on young fruits or on the upper surface of leaves. Lavae tunnel into the fruit at the calyx end and feed inside. In apple, larvae may feed directly under the skin of the fruit, creating a blotchy mine. Overwintering occurs as a mature larva and pupation occurs in the spring.