Common NameCranberry GirdlerSeasonalityLate June to early August.IdentificationA small crambid (17-20 mm wingspan). The forewings vary from dark (clay colored) to light yellowish brown, lack a silvery white longitudinal median stripe, often have clearly marked dark fuscous veins, have a prominent angled silvery gray subterminal line, have 3 black dots at the bottom of the terminal line, and have a fringe of shiny bronze scales. The hind wings are gray and lack prominent venation. Formerly called Chrysoteuchia hortuellus topiarius. Similar to the common European species Chrysoteuchia culmella, but smaller. Can be mistaken only with Platytes vobisne which is tiny (12-13 mm wingspan) and has zigzag postmedial and subterminal lines.
Scientific NameChrysoteuchia topiariusCommon Name
Cranberry Girdler
Habitat
Native and tame grasslands.
Seasonality
Late June to early August.
Identification
A small crambid (17-20 mm wingspan). The forewings vary from dark (clay colored) to light yellowish brown, lack a silvery white longitudinal median stripe, often have clearly marked dark fuscous veins, have a…
A small crambid (17-20 mm wingspan). The forewings vary from dark (clay colored) to light yellowish brown, lack a silvery white longitudinal median stripe, often have clearly marked dark fuscous veins, have a prominent angled silvery gray subterminal line, have 3 black dots at the bottom of the terminal line, and have a fringe of shiny bronze scales. The hind wings are gray and lack prominent venation. Formerly called Chrysoteuchia hortuellus topiarius. Similar to the common European species Chrysoteuchia culmella, but smaller. Can be mistaken only with Platytes vobisne which is tiny (12-13 mm wingspan) and has zigzag postmedial and subterminal lines.
Life History
Diurnal and comes to light. Single brooded. The immature stages are described by Fernald (1896).
Conservation
Common to abundant, of no concern.
Diet Info
The larvae have a wide range of host plants, especially grasses, not just cranberries.
Range
Generally distributed in North America (Fernald 1896, Dyar 1904, Forbes 1923, McDaniel et al 1984, Scholtens 1996). Widespread in Alberta, especially in the prairies and aspen parkland.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Chrysoteuchia topiarius
Page Citation
"Species Details - Chrysoteuchia topiarius, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2868. Accessed 06 Feb. 2023.