Cryptophlebia is a genus of moths belonging to the subfamily Olethreutinae of the family Tortricidae.[1] It occurs in all biogeographical regions except for the Nearctic.[2]
Description
Adult Cryptophlebia are moderately sized moths with brown forewings and variable, subdued patterns. There is often a darker brown pretornal patch that is more pronounced in females. Males have sex scales on the abdomen, legs and special pockets on the hindwing. The genitalia of males has swollen valvae with multiple long spines on the cucullus' inner surface. The genitalia of females has an ovate or V-shaped sterigma, a ductus bursae that is widened anteriorly, and a corpus bursae with two signa.[2]
Larvae are mostly whitish or pinkish, except for a brown head and prothoracic shield, and dark pinacula (sclerotised plates bearing setae). The anal comb (a feature in many Tortricidae[3]) is usually absent. The first thoracic segment has a large prespiracular pinaculum that extends under the spiracle. The eight abdominal segment has its spiracles located near the posterodorsal margins.[2]
Ecology
Cryptophlebia larvae are borers in a range of plant tissues: stems, fruits, pods, nuts and seeds. Some are considered pests, e.g. of lychee and macadamia.[2]
A population of C. ombrodelta in Western Australia has an unusual ecology, as its larvae mostly inhabit woody galls of Acacia saligna with only one report from macadamia.[4]
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