Phyllocnistis meliacella

Definition

A species of minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae (Lepidoptera), described by Becker in 1974. Larvae feed internally in leaves of mahogany (Meliaceae), producing serpentine or blotch mines visible as pale trails on the leaf surface. Native to the Neotropics (Costa Rica) and recently recorded in Florida, USA, representing a range expansion likely associated with horticultural trade of host plants.

Etymology

Phyllocnistis: Greek phyllon (leaf) + knistis (one who scratches or scrapes), referring to leaf-mining habit; meliacella: diminutive derived from Melia, the host plant genus (Meliaceae).

Example

In Florida, Phyllocnistis meliacella mines on introduced mahogany trees produce diagnostic epidermal trails that distinguish this species from native Phyllocnistis such as P. citrella on citrus.

Synonyms

• mahogany leaf miner

Related Terms

• Gracillariidae
• leaf miner
• Phyllocnistis
• serpentine mine
• Meliaceae
• Neotropical Lepidoptera
• invasive insect
• epidermal mining

Usage Notes

The specific epithet meliacella directly indicates association with Melia and related genera in Meliaceae; not to be confused with P. citrella (citrus leaf miner), a congener of major agricultural importance. The 2019+ Florida records suggest established population, but economic impact on native or ornamental Meliaceae remains understudied.