asciissa

Asciissa is a small genus of moths belonging to the family Tortricidae, commonly known as leafroller moths. The genus was first described in the early 20th century by the Austrian lepidopterist Hans Georg A. Pfeffer. It is placed within the subfamily Olethreutinae, which contains many species that are important agricultural pests due to their larval feeding habits on crops and ornamental plants. Asciissa is distinguished from closely related genera by the combination of wing venation patterns and the structure of the genitalia, features that are key in tortricid taxonomy.

There are currently five described species in the genus, all of which are distributed across temperate regions of Eurasia. The type species, Asciissa variabilis, was collected from the deciduous forests of central Europe and exhibits a wingspan of 12–16 mm. Other species such as Asciissa alpina, A. borealis, A. silvosa, and A. frigidum have been recorded in alpine and boreal habitats, indicating a preference for cooler climates. Little is known about the life cycles of most Asciissa species, but available information suggests that the larvae feed internally on the stems and roots of grasses and sedges, a behavior typical of many Olethreutinae members.

Ecologically, Asciissa species play a modest role in the food web, serving as prey for insectivorous birds and bats. The economic impact of the genus is considered low compared with other tortricids; however, some species have been reported as minor pests in meadow restoration projects where ornamental grass species may be affected. Because of the limited distribution and specialized habitats of Asciissa moths, there is ongoing interest in their conservation status and the potential effects of climate change on their alpine populations.