Acleris robinsoniana

This might be Acleris robinsoniana. Some photos at MPG and Bug Guide look similar.
http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=3536
https://bugguide.net/node/view/70373/bgimage

comments (9)

Christine Young

Lion

Another challenging Acleris! It also looks similar to Acleris inana (at least when compared to the one in Peterson's Field Guide to Moths). Posted 6 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  It does look a bit like Acleris inana in Peterson's. The ones at MPG and BG (only one picture at each) look different but then Acleris seem to like to put on different color patterns. The map for Acleris inana at MPG seems to suggest this is not a common species. Acleris robinsoniana is a little more common and does have a record from MN. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Interesting! Their variability makes the hunt for an ID a challenge! And, you seem to have a lot of Acleris in MN! Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      It does seem that Acleris is frequent here. But the variability is challenging for identification. How often do you see Acleris species where you live? Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I see some, but they are less challenging to ID than the ones you see. But, I live in an area with less diversity than you. Posted 6 years ago
      2. Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        Do you mean less moth diversity or less plant community type diversity? Posted 6 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Honestly, I'm not sure. I live in a semi-rural area, but that's by Connecticut's standards. I'm sure that would have a different meaning where you live. I don't see many moths and most nights I get one, a couple, or none. As for plant diversity, it isn't too bad where I live, but there is a whole lot of cultivation and invasive species. Posted 6 years ago
        
        Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        I wonder if lights have an impact on the moths where you are. There are plenty of lights here, too, especially in nearby small towns and it seems at nearly every house out here in the woods. Light pollution has really gotten bad here in the last 25 years.
        
        What about Bt use to control gypsy moths? If it has been used in your area it may also be affecting non-target species.
        
        Where I live the most common crop is hay and a little bit of feed corn. Otherwise, it is forested (lots of aspen regen) or open (pastures, marshes, etc). What sorts of crops do they grow where you live? Posted 6 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Ah, yes! I would imagine lights definitely play a role where I live. There are lights on all night along my road and apartment complex.
        
        I don't know if Bt has been used here, and wouldn't think so because we didn't have the gypsy moth outbreak like those slightly east of us did. But, broad-spectrum pesticides are definitely used in the area.
        
        I live across the street from an organic farm, which grows all kinds of things. We have lots of such small scale farms in the area. Plus, many apple orchards, blueberry farms, and some corn. I'm not sure what else. Other than that, we have the typical manicured lawns that people maintain.
        
        As for terrain, I live near the base of the Northwest Hills and it is generally very rocky and hilly with lots of rural areas and farms. Slightly north it gets more mountainous and forested. Posted 6 years ago

The Robinson's acleris moth

''Acleris robinsoniana'', Robinson's acleris moth, is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from the north-eastern United States across southern Canada to British Columbia and south to California.

The length of the forewings is 8.1–8.7 mm. Adults have a variable forewing pattern, ranging from uniform brown, to specimens with a white basal area and brown outer area or even specimens with a dark blue-grey ground colour with.. more

Info 1 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Gary B