Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer
Mompha undescribed-species-on-crocanthemum
This record describes Mompha undescribed-species-on-crocanthemum (species). Recorded family: Momphidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The adult is similar to that of M. capella , but the ground color of the leaf-mining species is markedly brighter orange. The two are also separable on genital morphology. M. capella also feeds on Crocanthemum , but it specializes in feeding inside the fruit of the host; therefore, it occurs a few weeks later than the leaf miner.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Momphidae (Momphid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Momphinae
- Genus
- Mompha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
As for the larval host plant.
Geographic Range
Known from the eastern/midwestern USA where the larval host plant occurs.
Seasonal Activity
Larval leaf mines appear in mid- to late May in Iowa, before the plant has flowered; adults emerge straightaway (June) and overwinter.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Crocanthemum bicknellii (Cistaceae) and possibly other spp. of the genus.
Life History
The larva in active feeding mode is a leaf miner; when finished feeding, it goes to the apical part of the stem and silks leaves together to form a chamber inside which it pupates. Life cycle images: 1)Frostweed leaf weavings 2)larva and leaf weaving 3)larva 4)pupa in cocoon 5)adult
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Mompha undescribed-species-on-crocanthemum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Terry Harrison; Additional contributions by ceiseman , John Schneider , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer
What is Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer?
Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer (Mompha undescribed-species-on-crocanthemum) is a species in the family Momphidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer?
The adult is similar to that of M. capella , but the ground color of the leaf-mining species is markedly brighter orange. The two are also separable on genital morphology.
Where is Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | As for the larval host plant. |
| Range | Known from the eastern/midwestern USA where the larval host plant occurs. |
What does Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer eat?
The diet of the Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer includes Crocanthemum bicknellii (Cistaceae) and possibly other spp. of the genus..
When is Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer active?
Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer: seasonal activity - Larval leaf mines appear in mid- to late May in Iowa, before the plant has flowered; adults emerge straightaway (June) and overwinter..
What is the life cycle of a Undescribed Crocanthemum leafminer?
The larva in active feeding mode is a leaf miner; when finished feeding, it goes to the apical part of the stem and silks leaves together to form a chamber inside which it pupates. Life cycle images: 1)Frostweed leaf weavings 2)larva and leaf weaving 3)larva 4)pupa in cocoon 5)adult