Choreutis pariana — Apple Leaf Skeletonizer

(Clerck, 1759)

Hodges# 2650

Etymology

Choreutis: Derived from the Greek word khōros meaning “to dance or spread.”

Pariana: Unknown origin. Pariana is a genus of plants in the grass (Poaceae) family that is native to Amazon region, and the Paria Peninsula extends off of the coast of Venezuela into the Carribean Sea, but neither seems to have any relation to this species of moth or to the 18th Century Swedish entomologist Carl Alexander Clerck who first described them.

Pronunciation

chor-ee-yoo-tis pair-ee-an-uh

Other Common Names

Apple-and-Thorn Skeletonizer

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Apple Leaf Skeletonizer in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

GAIN LP Sightings

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2021-10-14	Scott	Lowry, Brian
2021-09-09	Scott	Lowry, Brian
2018-08-15	Elkhart	Mitchell, Carole	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2021-10-14 County: Scott Observer: Lowry, Brian Notes:
Date: 2021-09-09 County: Scott Observer: Lowry, Brian Notes:
Date: 2018-08-15 County: Elkhart Observer: Mitchell, Carole Notes: Adult

Choreutis pariana Sightings by Month

Notes

The Apple Leaf Skeletonizer is native to Eurasia and was first identified in 1917 in New England. It is found in agricultural areas where its host plants are found, which includes commerially fruiting trees.

Conservation Status

Because this species is introduced, it is not ranked in the United States.

• Global status: GNR (not yet ranked)
• National status: NNA (not applicable)
• Indiana status: SNA (not applicable)

Floral Associates

Apple Leaf Skeletonizer caterpillars feed on the foliage of a small group of trees, but specifically on trees in the (Rosaceae) family which include many cultivated orchard trees where they can be damaging to crops.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Fagales
Betulaceae	Betula spp.	birches
Order: Rosales
Rosaceae	Crataegus spp.	hawthorns
	Malus spp.	apples and crabapples
	Prunus spp.	cherries
	Pyrus spp.	pears
	Rosa spp.	roses
Order: Salicales
Salicaceae	Salix spp.	willows