Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1
Phyllonorycter deserticola
This record describes Phyllonorycter deserticola (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Davis & Deschka description of the adults, including the genitalia, and the immature stages is available in PDF. Genitalia dissection is usually needed to confirm species in this family. Davis & Deschka listed the following wasps that are known to parasitize the larvae of Phyllonorycter deserticola . Pediobius . Pnigalio flavipes Ashm. Sympiesis marylandensis Girault Sympiesis sp.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gracillarioidea
- Family
- Gracillariidae (Leaf Blotch Miner Moths)
- Subfamily
- Lithocolletinae
- Genus
- Phyllonorycter
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California and Utah to Colorado and western Texas; Mexico. ,
Seasonal Activity
Davis & Deschka reported the flight period as late July to early October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Davis & Deschka reported the larvae are leaf miners of the following. Populus fremontii S. Wats. P. deltoides wislizenni S. Wats. P. x parryi (P. fremontii x trichocarpa) Populus sp.
Life History
Davis & Deschka provides a detailed description of the life cycle.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Davis & Deschka stated " The specific name is derived from the Latin desertum (a waste place) and cola (dwelling in), in reference to the general habitat of this species."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phyllonorycter deserticola. 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 Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1
What is Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1?
Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1 (Phyllonorycter deserticola) is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1?
Davis & Deschka reported the forewing length as 2.8-3.5 mm.
How do you identify Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1?
Davis & Deschka description of the adults, including the genitalia, and the immature stages is available in PDF. Genitalia dissection is usually needed to confirm species in this family.
Where is Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1 found?
Range: California and Utah to Colorado and western Texas; Mexico. ,
What does Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1 eat?
The diet of the Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1 includes Davis & Deschka reported the larvae are leaf miners of the following. Populus fremontii S. Wats. P. deltoides wislizenni S. Wats. P. x parryi (P. fremontii x trichocarpa) Populus sp..
When is Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1 active?
Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1: seasonal activity - Davis & Deschka reported the flight period as late July to early October..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter deserticola - Hodges#0748.1?
Davis & Deschka provides a detailed description of the life cycle.