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A small (approx. 2 cm wingspan) grey-brown or red-brown moth with "squared" wings and the abrupt "shoulder" characteristic of Tortricids. The forewing markings are highly variable. Some specimens (above at right) are poorly marked with markings confined to a narrow oblique rusty red line crossing the forewing midway, and a less prominent erratic line crossing from the midpoint of the costa to the anal angle. Other specimens are grey (lower at right) with the outer half of the wing dark red-brown, frequently with a dark oblique band near the forewing base. Hindwings mottled light brownish grey. The male genitalia (lower right) are quite distinct.

Poorly known. Acleris maccana is a solitary leaf roller that feeds on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs including Myrica, Vaccinium, Rhododendron, Malus, Betula, Salix, Populus and others. The flight period is late fall (late Aug – early Oct.) and again in early spring (early Apr – mid May), probably hibernating. There is a single annual brood. Adults come to light.

Circumpolar. Europe east across the boreal regions to Siberia; in North America it occurs across much of the boreal forest region, south in the mountains in the east. In Alberta it has been collected from north of Lake Athabasca (Cornwall Lake) south to Waterton Lakes National Park.

This little moth is probably widespread and relatively common throughout most of the wooded parts of the province. The late-early flight period possibly contributes to the paucity of collections of adults. Most AB records are from the old F.I.D.S. rearing records (reported by Prentice as A. fishiana Fern.). The illustrated specimens are from Edmonton; the male genitalic drawing is from Razowski (1966).