University of Alberta Museums Search

Species Details

Chrysoteuchia topiarius

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NameCranberry Girdler SeasonalityLate 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 Name Chrysoteuchia topiarius Common 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.
Chrysoteuchia topiarius
Chrysoteuchia topiarius

Citation

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.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Pyraloidea Family Crambidae Subfamily Crambinae Genus Chrysoteuchia Species Chrysoteuchia topiarius
This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.

Taxonomic Hierarchy for University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum