Argyresthia abies

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

SeasonalityAdults are on the wing from early June to early July (Freeman, 1972: 696). Identification"Antenna with alternating black and white annulations. Head rusty, Thorax and forewing yellowish brown. Fringe whitish. Hind wing pale grey; fringe whitish. Fore- and mid-tibiae purplish black inwardly, whitish outwardly. Hind leg cream colored. Wingspread 10.0-11.5 mm." (Freeman, 1972: 696). Male genitalia is discussed and illustrated in Freeman (1972: 696; fig. 26). In Alberta, this species can be distinguished from other Argyresthia species by its smaller size, uniform yellowish-brown color of forewings, and its food plant, balsam fir. To an extent it resembles A. columbia, but its color, male genitalia, and food plants are different.

Scientific Name Argyresthia abies Habitat Primarily boreal habitats with the larval food plant, balsam fir (Abies balsamea). Seasonality Adults are on the wing from early June to early July (Freeman, 1972: 696). Identification

"Antenna with alternating black and white annulations. Head rusty, Thorax and forewing yellowish brown. Fringe whitish. Hind wing pale grey; fringe whitish. Fore- and mid-tibiae purplish black inwardly, whitish outwardly. Hind leg cream colored. Wingspread 10.0-11.5 mm." (Freeman, 1972: 696). Male genitalia is discussed and illustrated in Freeman (1972: 696; fig. 26). In Alberta, this species can be distinguished from other Argyresthia species by its smaller size, uniform yellowish-brown color of forewings, and its food plant, balsam fir. To an extent it resembles A. columbia, but its color, male genitalia, and food plants are different.

Life History The larva bores in the terminal twigs of balsam fir (Freeman, 1972: 696). Conservation Not of concern. Diet Info All type material reared from larvae on balsam fir, Abies balsamea (Freeman, 1972: 696). Range This species is recorded from Lac La Biche in Alberta. Also recorded from the vicinity of Big River in Saskatchewan (Pohl et al., in prep.) and northern Ontario.

Page Citation

"Species Details - Argyresthia abies, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4235/9-88959. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

References

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UASM78537 - Argyresthia abies

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park, Gardiner Lakes Collected ByMacaulay, D. A.; Macaulay, S. H. Date Collected2004-07-08

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Species Details