Odontota scapularis

(Olivier, 1808)

orange-shouldered leaf miner, orange-shouldered leafminer

Odontota scapularis, commonly known as the orange-shouldered , is a in the . The is found across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Ontario) and numerous U.S. states. mine within leaves while feed externally on foliage. The species has been documented feeding on Apios americana (groundnut), a leguminous vine.

Orange-shouldered Leaf Miner - Odontota scapularis, Veteran's Park, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Orange-shouldered Leafminer - Odontota scapularis, Jones Preserve, Washington, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Orange-shouldered Leaf Miner - Odontota scapularis, Allens Fresh, Maryland by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Odontota scapularis: /oʊˈdɒntoʊtə skæˈpjʊlərɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The can be distinguished from the related (Odontota dorsalis) by association and coloration. O. scapularis is associated with Apios americana rather than black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The orange-shouldered likely exhibits orange coloration on the shoulder region of the , consistent with its , though specific diagnostic features require direct examination. Members of the Odontota are small , typically 4-6 mm in length, with rounded bodies and enlarged hind adapted for jumping.

Images

Distribution

North America: Canada (Ontario) and United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin). The occupies a broad range across the eastern and central United States.

Diet

are , feeding internally on leaf tissue between upper and lower . feed externally on leaves, creating small holes or skeletonized areas. The has been recorded feeding on Apios americana (groundnut), a legume vine.

Host Associations

Apios americana - groundnut; both larval and feeding documented

Similar Taxa

Odontota dorsalisAlso a on leguminous , but specifically associated with black (Robinia pseudoacacia) rather than Apios americana. The two can be distinguished by host and subtle morphological differences in color pattern.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The Odontota belongs to the Cassidinae ( and leaf-mining ), tribe Chalepini. This group is characterized by that typically mine within leaves rather than feeding externally.

Collection records

The has 289 observations in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff, indicating it is moderately well-documented but not commonly encountered by casual observers.