Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637
Choristoneura conflictana
This record describes Choristoneura conflictana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult - pale grey to brownish grey with indistinct markings. Larvae - initially pale yellowish-green later turning deep green or almost black with reddish brown to black head capsule.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Tortricinae
- Tribe
- Archipini
- Genus
- Choristoneura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
From the Pacific to the Atlantic and from Alaska to California, Arizona, and New Mexico. ( 3 ) Type locality: St. Martin's Falls, Albany River, Hudson's Bay (Dr. Barnston ).
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in June. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Main host is trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) but will also feed on other associated broad-leaved trees. ,
Life History
Eggs are laid in flat clusters usually on the upper surfaces of the leaves in June or July. First instar larvae feed gregariously on leaf surfaces during July, spinning much silk and webbing the surfaces together. Later they move to the trunk, searching for hibernation sites in rough bark or under moss. ( 4 ) Overwinter as 2nd instars. ( 4 ) In spring, they climb the trees and mine the swelling buds. Later they roll leaves and feed within the enclosures. Pupation occurs within the rolls. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet from Latin conflictans meaning "assailing."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Choristoneura conflictana. 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 Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason J. Dombroskie; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Tony-2 , JohnMaxwell22 , Randy Hardy , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637
What is Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637?
Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637 (Choristoneura conflictana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637?
Forewing length 12-17 mm. Larva to 15-21 mm.
How do you identify Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637?
Adult - pale grey to brownish grey with indistinct markings. Larvae - initially pale yellowish-green later turning deep green or almost black with reddish brown to black head capsule.
Where is Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637 found?
Range: From the Pacific to the Atlantic and from Alaska to California, Arizona, and New Mexico. ( 3 ) Type locality: St. Martin's Falls, Albany River, Hudson's Bay (Dr. Barnston ).
What does Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637 eat?
The diet of the Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637 includes Main host is trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) but will also feed on other associated broad-leaved trees. ,.
When is Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637 active?
Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in June. ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Large Aspen Tortrix - Hodges#3637?
Eggs are laid in flat clusters usually on the upper surfaces of the leaves in June or July. First instar larvae feed gregariously on leaf surfaces during July, spinning much silk and webbing the surfaces together. Later they move to the trunk, searching for hibernation sites in rough bark or under moss. ( 4 ) Overwinter as 2nd instars. ( 4 ) In spring, they climb the trees and mine the swelling buds. Later they roll leaves and feed within the enclosures. Pupation occurs within the rolls. ( 4 )