Moths of North Carolina
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View PDFTortricidae Members: Olethreutes Members: 3 NC Records

Olethreutes nitidana (Clemens, 1860) - Shining Olethreutes

Olethreutes nitidanaOlethreutes nitidana
Taxonomy
Superfamily:
Tortricoidea		 Family:
Tortricidae		Subfamily:
Olethreutinae		Tribe:
Olethreutini		P3 Number:
51a0544		 MONA Number:
2775.00
Comments: Olethreutes is a large genus with over 130 recognized species worldwide. North America has around 80 recognized species, with at least 37 species occurring in North Carolina. Some species are very difficult to identify due to interspecific similarities in color and forewing pattern and only subtle differences in genitalia (Gilligan et al., 2008). In many instances, knowledge of the host plant is essential for a confident determination. All of the Nearctic species are leaf-tiers or leaf-rollers on deciduous trees and shrubs.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Clemens (1860), Heinrich (1926)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: Gilligan et al. (2008) note that this species can usually be distinguished by its the orangish-brown forewing color and the long slender teeth of the median fascia. The following detailed description is based in part on the descriptions by Clemens (1860), Heinrich (1926) and Forbes (1923). The palp is yellowish white with a blackish terminal segment. The head tuft is pale or light tan, and the thoracic tuft reddish to reddish-brown. The ground color of the forewing varies from yellowish-red to a sordid, light-rose color, and is overlain with darker reddish-brown marks and patches. The basal fourth of the wing has two patches that include a relatively large one close to the inner margin, and a smaller one that runs roughly parallel in the subcostal region. The pale-margined, medial fascia has two long teeth and a larger, triangular patch near the inner margin that often fuses with the subtornal patch that follows it. A postmedial bar is present that extends from the subcostal region to the middle of the outer margin, and the costa has reddish brown streaks that become much more pronounced towards the apex. The fringe is light reddish-yellow with a thin, reddish basal line. Certain specimens may also have blackish scaling along the dorsal third of the fringe. The hindwing is dark fuscous.

This species can generally be identified by its coloration and markings, but Gilligan et al. (2008) noted that it might be confused with orange specimens of O. sericorana. If need be, these species can be positively identified using differences in the male and female genitalia.
Wingspan: 15-20 mm (Heinrich, 1926).
Forewing Length: 7.0-8.5 mm (Gilligan et al., 2008).
Adult Structural Features: Gilligan et al. (2008) have illustrations of the male and female genitalia. They note that this species might be confused with orange specimens of O. sericorana, but the digitus arises near the cucullus in O. sericorana and near the sacculus in O. nitidana. Females of the two species can be separated by the sculpturing of the sterigma.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from photos showing hindwings, abdomen, or other specialized views [e.g., frons, palps, antennae, undersides].
Immatures and Development: Gilligan et al. (2008) noted that one specimen was reared from the tied leaves of a maple, but details of the larval life history are lacking.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Olethreutes nitidana is found in eastern North America where it is typically found in areas with cool climates. The range includes southern Ontario and Quebec, and much of the northeastern US from Maine and other New England states westward to Iowa and Illinois, and southward to Kentucky, Virginia and western North Carolina. As of 2024, we have only two site records base on genitalia-identified specimens, including one from the Piedmont and a second from the Blue Ridge.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Olethreutes nitidanaAlamance Alexander Alleghany Anson Ashe Avery Beaufort Bertie Bladen Brunswick Buncombe Burke Cabarrus Caldwell Camden Carteret Caswell Catawba Chatham Cherokee Chowan Clay Cleveland Columbus Craven Cumberland Currituck Dare Davidson Davie Duplin Durham Edgecombe Forsyth Franklin Gaston Gates Graham Granville Greene Guilford Halifax Harnett Haywood Henderson Hertford Hoke Hyde Iredell Jackson Johnston Jones Lee Lenoir Lincoln Macon Madison Martin McDowell Mecklenburg Mitchell Montgomery Moore Nash New%20Hanover Northampton Onslow Orange Pamlico Pasquotank Pender Perquimans Person Pitt Polk Randolph Richmond Robeson Rockingham Rowan Rutherford Sampson Scotland Stanly Stokes Surry Swain Transylvania Tyrrell Union Vance Wake Warren Washington Watauga Wayne Wilkes Wilson Yadkin Yancey
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge 		Image showing flight dates by month for High Mountains greater than 4,000 feet, Low Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain: adults.
Flight Comments: The adults have been observed from May through September, with a seasonal peak most commonly in July and August. As of 2024, our two records were from early-July and early-September.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: The preferred habitats are poorly documented. Our two records as of 2024 were both near wetlands, including a mountain bog and a site near the shoreline of a Piedmont lake.
Larval Host Plants: Gilligan et al. (2008) noted that one individual was reared from a maple (Acer sp.). - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR [S1S3]
State Protection:
Comments: This species reach its southern known range limit in North Carolina where it is apparently rare based only two site records as of 2024.

 Photo Gallery for Olethreutes nitidana - Shining Olethreutes

Photos: 2
Olethreutes nitidanaRecorded by: Stephen Hall on 2021-08-09
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Olethreutes nitidanaRecorded by: J.B. Sullivan on 2017-07-04
Ashe Co.
Comment: id by genitalia.