Clepsis virescana

Blackberry Leafroller

Family: Tortricidae · Class: Insecta · Order: Lepidoptera

The Blackberry Leafroller (Clepsis virescana) is a small moth in the family Tortricidae, commonly known as leafroller moths due to their larval habit of rolling or folding leaves for shelter. Adults typically measure 10-15 mm in wingspan, with forewings that are generally pale green to grayish-brown. Males can be distinguished by the presence of a costal fold on the forewings, a characteristic that separates this species from closely related Clepsis peritana and C. penetralis (BugGuide). This species occurs across North America, with documented populations from Canada to the southern United States. In California, C. virescana has been recorded from various locations including the Toiyabe Mountains (News of the Lepidopterists' Society 1969). Recent DNA analysis suggests that California populations may represent a distinct species, as molecular studies show two separate BIN clusters: one containing specimens from the eastern United States and Canada, and another including California specimens along with those from Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Saskatchewan (BugGuide). The Blackberry Leafroller inhabits diverse environments where its host plants occur. Primary host plants belong to the family Rosaceae, specifically within the genera Prunus and Rosa (Moth Photographers Group). This includes various stone fruits, roses, and related woody plants. The species appears to be adaptable to both natural and cultivated landscapes where these host plants are present. Larvae feed within rolled or folded leaves of their host plants, creating characteristic shelters that give the family its common name. The species is multivoltine, producing several overlapping generations per year. Larvae overwinter under leaf litter, emerging in spring to pupate (BugGuide). Adults are active during warmer months, with flight records extending from spring through late summer. The larval feeding behavior can occasionally cause minor damage to ornamental roses and fruit trees, though C. virescana is not considered a major agricultural pest. Currently, Clepsis virescana has no formal conservation status at federal or state levels. The species appears to be relatively widespread and commonly collected, suggesting stable populations across its range (BugGuide). However, the taxonomic uncertainty surrounding California populations warrants further investigation, as DNA evidence indicates potential species-level differentiation. This genetic distinctiveness could have conservation implications if California populations prove to be a separate, endemic species. Climate change and habitat modification may affect local populations, particularly in areas where host plants face pressure from urban development or agricultural conversion. The species' apparent adaptability to various environments and multiple host plants within Rosaceae likely provides some resilience against environmental changes. Additional molecular studies and taxonomic revision would help clarify the conservation status of distinct genetic lineages within what is currently recognized as C. virescana.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.