Caloptilia azaleella

Caloptilia azaleella
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Infraorder: Heteroneura
Family: Gracillariidae
Genus: Caloptilia
Species: C. azaleella
Binomial name
Caloptilia azaleella
(Brants, 1913)
Synonyms
  • Gracilaria azaleella Brants, 1913
  • Caloptilia anthracosperma (Meyrick, 1931)
  • Gracilaria azaleae Busck, 1914
  • Caloptilia azaleae (Busck, 1914)

The azalea leaf miner[1] (Caloptilia azaleella) is a moth of the Gracillariidae family. It is endemic to Japan, but has been introduced worldwide.[2]

The wingspan is 10–11 millimetres (0.39–0.43 in). The moth flies from May to October depending on the location.

The larvae feed on azalea species.

Distribution

In the United States the species can be found from Florida to Texas, and as far north as Long Island, West Virginia, and the Ohio Valley.[1]

Ecology

Caloptilia azaleella deposits its eggs under leaves near the midrib. As soon as the larva matures, it usually chooses an undamaged leaf, rolls up in it and pupates. A week later it starts mating.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Azalea leaf miner". University of Florida. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  2. "Caloptilia azaleella (Brants, 1913)". 2.5. Fauna Europaea. July 23, 2012. Retrieved March 24, 2013.

External links


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