 | Tortricid Moth – Phaneta raracana Family Tortricidae Insects & Spiders | Moths Index | Moths | Butterflies Main | Butterflies Index | Skippers Live adult moth photographed in the wild at DuPage County, Illinois. Size: 7mm |
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The family Tortricidae is considered a monophyletic group (all species share a common ancestor not shared with species in other families) of "microlepidoptera". Likewise, the three subfamilies of Tortricidae (Tortricinae, Olethreutinae, Chlidanotinae) are considered monophyletic, although the relationships among these three continue to be debated. Some species of Tortricidae are pests of agriculture (e.g.. Codling moth, Cydia pomonella, in apples & walnuts) and forestry (e.g. Spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana). The Codling moth Cydia pomonella is the species which causes worm-holes in apples. It has been accidentally spread from its original range in Europe and is now found in North and South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand wherever apples are grown. Control has required the use of the harshest available insecticides – historically lead arsenate and DDT were used. These chemicals brought considerable environmental dangers, and in any case the insect gradually developed resistance to them. Currently organophosphate sprays are favored, timed carefully to catch the hatching larvae before they can bore into the fruit. — From Wikipedia |
| Order Lepidoptera: Moths. Unlike the butterflies, moths are usually nocturnal. Many moths and their caterpillars are major agricultural pests in large parts of the world. Moths in the family Tineidae are commonly regarded as pests because their larvae eat fabrics, clothes and blankets made from natural fibers such as wool or silk. Moths in the genus Farinalis feed on stored grain, flour, corn meal and other milled grain products. Butterflies Main | Moths | Moths Index | Butterflies Index |