Metriocnemus erythranthei

Eiseman, Namayandeh, van der Linden & Palmer, 2023

Monkeyflower Non-biting Midge

Metriocnemus erythranthei is a leaf-mining (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) described in 2023 from herbaceous wetland plants. The larva is a true miner that enters fresh leaves and excavates tunnels, feeding on leaf tissue of monkeyflowers, speedwells, and other herbaceous plants. The is widespread across North America, with documented collections from the Pacific coast to Pennsylvania. Its vacated mines are subsequently inhabited by Limnophyes viribus, establishing an relationship.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Metriocnemus erythranthei: /mɛ.tɹiˈɒk.nə.məs ɛ.ɹɪˈθɹæn.θeɪ.aɪ/

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

Habitat

Herbaceous wetland plants in wet environments supporting monkeyflowers (Erythranthe), speedwells (Veronica), and other herbaceous vegetation.

Distribution

Widespread in North America; documented from the Pacific coast to Pennsylvania.

Diet

Leaf tissue of herbaceous plants; larva is a true that enters fresh leaves and excavates tunnels.

Host Associations

Erythranthe - leaf mine monkeyflowers
Veronica - leaf mine speedwells (Plantaginaceae)
Petasites - leaf mine Asteraceae

Behavior

True leaf-mining : larva enters fresh leaves and excavates tunnels. Vacated mines are subsequently inhabited by Limnophyes viribus, establishing an relationship where the latter occupies abandoned mines.

Similar Taxa

Limnophyes viribusInhabits vacated mines of M. erythranthei but does not create its own mines; distinguished by this and presumably different larval .
Metriocnemus eurynotusHas been observed feeding within mines of M. erythranthei on Veronica and collected alongside M. erythranthei larvae on Petasites; distinguished by broader range including Impatiens cotyledons and external feeding in later instars.

More Details

Taxonomic recency

described in 2023; knowledge of and distribution is based on the original description and limited subsequent observations.