Metriocnemus eurynotus

(Holmgren, 1883)

A small non-biting midge (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) with larvae that feed on herbaceous plant material. The has been documented as a leafminer of Impatiens cotyledons, initially mining fresh tissue before transitioning to external feeding. Larvae have also been found feeding within abandoned mines of Metriocnemus erythranthei on Veronica and on Petasites leaves. The species occurs across northern Europe and has been recorded from North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Metriocnemus eurynotus: /ˌmɛtriəˈknɛməs ˌjʊərɪˈnoʊtəs/

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Habitat

Associated with herbaceous wetland plants; reared from Impatiens cotyledons and collected from leaves of Veronica and Petasites.

Distribution

Recorded from Denmark, Norway (including Svalbard), Sweden, Portugal (Madeira Island), and North America.

Diet

Larvae feed on plant material: Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) cotyledons, initially as leafminers then externally; Veronica (Plantaginaceae) leaves within vacated mines of M. erythranthei; Petasites (Asteraceae) leaves.

Host Associations

  • Impatiens - larval food plantcotyledons; mined initially, then fed upon externally
  • Veronica - larval food plantleaves; feeds within abandoned mines of M. erythranthei
  • Petasites - larval food plantleaves

Behavior

Larvae initially mine fresh cotyledon tissue of Impatiens, then transition to external feeding. Also utilizes vacated leaf mines of M. erynanthai on Veronica.

Similar Taxa

  • Metriocnemus erynanthaiLarvae of M. eurynotus have been found feeding within abandoned mines of M. erynanthai on Veronica; both occur on Petasites leaves and share similar leafmining on wetland herbs.

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