Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Argyrotaenia quercifoliana (Fitch, 1858)
Argyrolepia quercifoliana Fitch, 1858
Explanation of Names
Specific epithet from Latin meaning "oak-leaf," for the larval feeding habit.
Size
Forewing length 7.5-9.5 mm (male); 9.0-11.5 mm (female).
(1)Identification
Adult - forewing pale yellowish-cream with golden-brown speckling; AM and PM lines brown, oblique, usually complete; longitudinal line near middle of PM line joins subterminal line to form a hollow circle in subterminal area; hindwing white with yellow shading in lower half [adapted from description by Charles Covell].
Larva - see Fitch (1958) in Print References.
Range
Eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida.
(1)Habitat
Open woods and edges, shrubby areas; adults are nocturnal and come to light.
Food
“I think this is a specialist on oak and all other records are from stray larvae or from where the pupa was found” (Jason Dombroskie, pers. comm. to ASH 28 i 2022).
Life Cycle
Larva; larva; pupa; pupa; pupa in silk shelter; adult; pale adult
See Also
Argyrotaenia quadrifasciana (Fernald, 1882) - forewing is darker and lacks longitudinal line connecting PM line to subterminal line.
Print References
Fitch, A. 1858. Insects infesting deciduous tress. 1. The Oaks.
Fifth report on the noxious and other insects of the state of New York, p.
826.