Exotic
Exotic, but established
Native
Acleris Hübner (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Tortricini)
Acleris is a large genus in the Tortricini that contains approximately 250 species. Most species diversity occurs in the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Forewing pattern is quite variable in many species and some, such as Acleris hastiana, have been described as the most variable of all Lepidoptera in terms of markings and coloration. The high diversity of wing patterns has led to the application of over 800 names to members of this group describing the various forms, aberrations, and varieties. Many species have patches of raised scales on the forewings.
Several species are of economic concern. The budworms, Acleris variana and Acleris gloveranus, are important forest pests that can cause serious damage to fir, spruce, and other Pinaceae. Acleris comariana is a pest of strawberry and other Rosaceae and has been recently introduced into the Pacific Northwest. Acleris minuta is a minor pest of cranberry, apple, and plum. Other species are minor pests of fruit trees. At least one species (Acleris zimmermani) has been deliberately introduced outside of its native range as a biological control agent.
It is assumed that any Acleris larvae arriving at U.S. ports would originate from Europe, although there are no specific records for this genus. Identification of larvae is difficult and molecular diagnostics may be necessary to confirm identity.
14 species are treated here, primarily to aid in identification as non-target captures during CAPS surveys. 12 are present in the U.S., although some introduced species, such as Acleris comariana and Acleris holmiana, have a limited distribution.
Exotic species
Acleris hastiana
Exotic, but established species
Acleris comariana
Acleris holmiana
Native species
Acleris flavivittana
Acleris gloveranus
Acleris minuta
Acleris nivisellana
Acleris robinsoniana
Acleris senescens
View full screen host table here
