Phyllonorycter

Eiseman, Charles S. & Davis, Donald R., 2020, Wrong side of the leaf: assigning some Lithocolletinae species (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) to their proper genera, Zootaxa 4751 (2), pp. 201-237 : 232

Phyllonorycter sp.

( Figs. 74–79 )

Leaf mine. Larvae ultimately form underside tentiform mines typical of Phyllonorycter , but some mines are initiated on the upper surface before switching to the lower surface, while others apparently are initiated on the lower surface ( Figs. 74–77 ).

Host. Caprifoliaceae : Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. denudata Rehder.

Distribution. USA: CA.

Comments. CSE reared three specimens of this undetermined species from leaf mines on Lonicera subspicata var. denudata collected in California ( Barrel Spring , San Diego Co.) on 12 March 2017. The adults ( Figs. 78–79 ) emerged from 9 to 24 April, with the pupa being thrust through the upper epidermis in at least two of the three mines .

These California moths may represent an undescribed species, but we are unable to make a definite decision about this until the Caprifoliaceae-feeding Phyllonorycter species can be revised.

Figures

FIGURES 74–79. An undetermined species of Phyllonorycter reared from underside tentiform mines on Lonicera subspicata var. denudata in California. 74: Mine apparently initiated on the lower surface, viewed from above; 75: The same mine viewed from below; 76: Mine with short initial portion on upper surface (left of center); 77: Mine with a more extensive upper-surface portion; 78: Spread adult; 79: Live adult.