Overview
The genus Argyrotaenia contains approximately 100 described species. The majority of species diversity occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Wing patterns vary widely across the genus, although there are a number of species with golden-brown forewings and a large reddish-brown median fascia. Male genitalia are characterized by a spatulate or fingerlike uncus and rounded valvae with a long, thin sacculus. Female genitalia are characterized by a daggar-shaped signum and a sclerotized plate in the anterior end of the ductus bursae.
A single species, A. ljungiana, is present in the Palearctic. Larvae are polyphagous and feed on a variety of plants, sometimes causing economic damage to grape, apple, and tea. Argyrotaenia franciscana is a common species in California, Oregon, and Washington that has been recorded feeding on plants in more than 40 families. It is an occasional pest of crops and nursery stock in California, but is more often encountered as a non-target during Epiphyas postvittana surveys. The other species treated here are common non-targets encountered in general tortricid surveys. For photos of additional non-targets not covered here, visit the Moth Photographers Group link below.
It is difficult to distinguish between different species of Argyrotaenia using larval morphology. As such, most Argyrotaenia larvae intercepted at U.S. ports of entry are not identified beyond the subfamily or genus level.
Target species
Argyrotaenia ljungiana
Non-target species
Argyrotaenia franciscana
Argyrotaenia mariana
Argyrotaenia quadrifasciana
Argyrotaenia quercifoliana
Argyrotaenia velutinana
Links
The following external links require an internet connection. The authors, CSU, CDFA, and USDA/APHIS/PPQ/CPHST are not responsible for the availability or content of these external sites:
Moth Photographers Group - Archipini
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.
Freeman, T. N. 1944. A review of the North American species of the genus Argyrotaenia Stephens (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae). Scientific Agriculture. 25: 81-94.
Freeman, T. N. 1958. The Archipinae of North America (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The Canadian Entomologist Supplement 7 (Vol. 90): 1-89.
Landry, B., J. A. Powell and F. A. H. Sperling. 1999. Systematics of the Argyrotaenia franciscana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) species group: evidence from mitochondrial DNA. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 92: 40-46.
Razowski, J. 1987. The genera of Tortricidae (Lepidoptera). Part 1. Palearctic Chlidanotinae and Tortricinae. Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia. 30: 141-355.