Astrotischeria ambrosiaeella (Chambers, 1875)

(Figs. 14, 225–229, 233)

Tischeria ambrosiaeella CHAMbERS, 1875: 112, 113.

Tischeria ambrosiaeella CHAMbERS, in FORbES (1923: 147); BRAUN (1972: 77–79).

Tischeria ambrosiella WALSINGHAM, 1890: 325. MISSPELLING.

Astrotischeria ambrosiaeella (CHAMbERS); DIŠKUS & PUPLESIS (2003: 427).

Material examined. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, USA: Missouri, Kirkwood, St. Louis, mining larvae on Ambrosia trifida (Asteraceae), 13.ix.1886, ex. pupa 9.i.1890, Lord Walshingham Collection (BMNH); 1 ♂, 1 ♀, same label but without host-plant data, [leg. Miss Murtfeldt], Lord Walshingham Collection, genitalia slide nos 28951 ♂, 28962 ♀ (BMNH).

Diagnosis. The species belongs to the Astrotischeria trilobata group. The combination of the very distinctive, unique, horn-shaped dorsal lobes of valva (see Figs. 226–228), unique shape of the phallus (see Fig. 229), and a rather large but short uncus in the male genitalia distinguishes A. ambrosiaeella from all other Astrotischeria, including other members of the A. trilobata group. The fact that it feeds on Ambrosia also makes this species rather distinctive.

Male (Fig. 225). Forewing about 3.5–3.6 mm; wingspan about 7.5–7.7 mm. For a description see Braun Braun 1972: 77, 78.

Female. Similar to male.

Male genitalia (Figs. 226–229). Desribed in Braun 1972: 78.

Female genitalia. Described and illustrated in Braun 1972: 78, Fig. 39 (only apophyses and prela).

Bionomics. Host plants: Ambrosia trifida L., A. artemisiifolia L., also possibly A. psilostachya DC. (Braun 1972). Leaf mine is an irregular, elongated blotch, usually between two veins (illustrated in Braun 1972: Fig. 49). Larvae recorded from July, September and October; adults from August–November (Braun 1972: 78).

Distribution (Fig. 233). USA (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, California).