Tischeriidae

Definition

A family of minute moths (Lepidoptera: Tischerioidea) commonly called trumpet leaf miners, whose larvae are endophagous miners of dicotyledonous leaves. The family comprises three recognized genera—Tischeria, Astrotischeria, and Coptotriche—with larvae feeding primarily on Fagaceae, Asteraceae, and Malvaceae. Tischeriidae retain a monotrysian female reproductive system (single genital opening) and are phylogenetically significant as a potential sister group to the Ditrysia, the clade containing the vast majority of moth and butterfly species.

Etymology

From the type genus Tischeria (named for German entomologist A. Tischer) + family suffix -idae.

Example

The North American species Tischeria quercitella produces serpentine mines in oak (Quercus) leaves, with the larva's feeding pattern visible as a pale trail on the upper leaf surface.

Related Terms

• Tischerioidea
• Tischeria
• Astrotischeria
• leaf miner
• monotrysian
• Ditrysia
• Lepidoptera
• endophagy

Usage Notes

Tischeriidae is the sole family in its superfamily; historically treated as monogeneric (Tischeria only), but now includes Astrotischeria (Neotropical and widespread) and Coptotriche (Holarctic). The common name 'trumpet leaf miners' refers to the flared, trumpet-like larval feeding shelters formed by some species. Specialists distinguish Tischeriidae from other microlepidopteran leaf miners by larval morphology and the monotrysian reproductive system shared with only a few other lepidopteran lineages.