Adult Recognition
FWL: 5.0-6.5 mm (male); 6.0-8.5 mm (female)
Platynota flavedana is sexually dimorphic. The male forewing is dark purplish brown basally and yellowish to orangish brown apically. The female forewing is brown to orangish brown with dark-brown to purplish-brown markings. Hindwings of both sexes are brown to orangish brown; males tend to exhibit more orange than females. Males have a long forewing costal fold that extends to mid-costa.
Adults may appear similar to other species of Platynota, but can be separated from most other species by their orangish appearance. A genitalic dissection can be used to confirm identity.
Larval Morphology
Late instar larvae are approximately 13-21 mm in length with a green to pale green abdomen. The head and prothoracic shield are brownish yellow. An anal comb is present with 5-8 teeth.
Larvae appear similar to those of Sparganothis sulfureana, and the two species are often found in similar habitats in the eastern United States. MacKay (1962) stated that larvae of Platynota could be separated from similar species of Sparganothis by the small dorsal pinacula on A1-8, which are slightly elongate and cream colored in living individuals.
Biology
Platynota flavedana completes two annual generations over much of its range; a partial third generation may be present in the South. Adults are present May-June and July-September.
Females lay eggs in masses that contain approximately 50 individual eggs on the upper surface of leaves. Larvae feed within a shelter constructed of tied or folded leaves. Larvae may cause economic damage by feeding on blossoms or fruit, and will often web leaves together with blossoms and immature fruit. Mid-instar larvae of the last generation overwinter and resume feeding the following spring. Pupation occurs in webbed leaves.
Host plants
Larvae of P. flavedana have been reported as pests of strawberry, peach, and rose. Other important hosts include cotton and citrus.
| Family | Genus/species | Common name |
| Aceraceae | Acer L. | maple |
| Asteraceae | Eupatorium L. | thoroughwort |
| Asteraceae | Helianthus L. | sunflower |
| Caryophyllaceae | Dianthus caryophyllus L. | carnation |
| Cistaceae | Helianthemum Mill. | frostweed |
| Clusiaceae | Hypericum perforatum L. | common St. Johnswort |
| Ericaceae | Rhododendron L. | rhododendron |
| Fabaceae | Trifolium L. | clover |
| Lauraceae | Sassafras Nees & Eberm. | sassafras |
| Malvaceae | Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum | upland cotton |
| Malvaceae | Gossypium thurberi Todaro | Thurber's cotton |
| Rosaceae | Fragaria L. | strawberry |
| Rosaceae | Prunus persica (L.) Batsch L. | peach |
| Rosaceae | Rosa L. | rose |
| Rutaceae | Citrus L. | citrus |
| Rutaceae | Citrus X sinensis (L.) Osbeck (pro sp.) [maxima X reticulata] | sweet orange |
Distribution
Platynota flavedana is widely distributed in the eastern United States. Records from the western U.S. are questionable.
References
Chapman, P. J. and S. E. Lienk. 1971. Tortricid fauna of apple in New York (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae); including an account of apple's occurrence in the state, especially as a naturalized plant. Spec. Publ. Geneva, NY: New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. 122 pp.
MacKay, M. R. 1962. Larvae of the North American Tortricinae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The Canadian Entomologist Supplement 28: 1-182.
Sandberg, S. and S. Passoa. 1989. New host records and morphological notes on four tortricines (Tortricidae). Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera. 27: 104-108.
Wilde, G. and M. Semel. 1966. The life history of Platynota flavedana, a leaf roller of strawberry. Journal of Economic Entomology. 59: 1037-1041.
