Longleaf pine seedworm
Cydia ingens (Heinrich) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Orientation to pest
Longleaf pine seedworm, Cydia ingens (Heinrich), is a native tortricid that is part of the Cydia toreuta complex whose members cannot be separated morphologically and whose species status is uncertain (Gilligan et al. 2008). Species are currently recognized based on host and range. Cydia ingens (in the narrow sense) has been interpreted as being restricted to Florida. This species, or closely related forms, occur in the southeastern United States where their larvae feed in immature cones of long leaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.), destroying the seeds.
Hosts commonly attacked
There are many seed cone worms, associated with various pines. In the southern United States this species, or a closely related one, feeds on long leaf pine (P. palustris).
Distribution
This species complex is found in the southeastern United States, with C. ingens (in the narrow sense) perhaps being restricted to Florida.
Images of longleaf pine seedworm
| Figure 1. Adult of longleaf pine seedworm, Cydia ingens |
Important biological control agents related to this pest species
No information is available on natural enemies of this species.
Web links for information on longleaf pine seedworm
Articles
- Abrahamson, L. P. and K. J. Kraft. 1965. A population study of the cone moth Laspeyresia toreuta Grote in Pinus banksiana stands. Ecology 46: 561-563.
- Harbo, J. R. and K. J. Kraft, K. J. 1969. A study of Phanerotoma toreutae a parasite of the pine cone moth Laspeyresia toreuta. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 62: 214-220.
- Gilligan, T. M., D. J. Wright, and L. D. Gibson, L. D. 2008. Olethreutine Moths of the Midwestern United States, An Identification Guide. Ohio Biological Survey 16(2), 334 pp.
