Acrobasis tricolorella

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

Common NameDestructive Prune Worm SeasonalityAll specimens in the E. H. Strickland museum have been collected in July and August, but the moth may occur in June as well, probably dependent on the spring and early summer weather. IdentificationA fairly small micro moth (wingspan > 25 mm), with a slender body and fairly broad wings. The forewings a triangular, narrow at base and broad at apex. The ground color of the forewing is gray dusted with white scales, with a conspicuous bi-colored brown and white basal cross-band, a small elongate discal spot, and a blackish and white apical zigzag band, the latter often with distal reddish-brown shading. The hind wings are broad and white with grayish margins.

Scientific Name Acrobasis tricolorella Common Name Destructive Prune Worm Habitat Not known in detail for Alberta, but the moth probably occurs in many kinds of parkland and open forest where suitable host plats are found. Seasonality All specimens in the E. H. Strickland museum have been collected in July and August, but the moth may occur in June as well, probably dependent on the spring and early summer weather. Identification

A fairly small micro moth (wingspan 25 mm), with a slender body and fairly broad wings. The forewings a triangular, narrow at base and broad at apex. The ground color of the forewing is gray dusted with white scales,…

A fairly small micro moth (wingspan > 25 mm), with a slender body and fairly broad wings. The forewings a triangular, narrow at base and broad at apex. The ground color of the forewing is gray dusted with white scales, with a conspicuous bi-colored brown and white basal cross-band, a small elongate discal spot, and a blackish and white apical zigzag band, the latter often with distal reddish-brown shading. The hind wings are broad and white with grayish margins.

Life History The moth over winters as small larva on the host plant. It pupates in early summer and emerges as adult in mid and late summer. In north-western USA the moth can sometimes be a pest in prune orchards. Conservation Little is known about the status of A. tricolorella in Alberta, but it is not likely to be of any conservation concern. Diet Info The larvae generally feeds on buds and fruits of the genus Prunus (cherries and plums), but may feed on a variety of members of the rose-family such as Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana). Range Widespread in southern Canada and northern USA. All specimens in the E. H. Strickland museum have been collected in Edmonton, but the moth likely occurs southern and central part of the province.

Page Citation

"Species Details - Acrobasis tricolorella, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-6405/9-44951. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.

References

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BIRD30326 - Acrobasis tricolorella

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-08-02