Coptodisca matheri
Lafontaine, 1974
A minute in the Heliozelidae, described from Mississippi in 1974. have strikingly bicolored forewings with silvery white bases and pale yellow tips. The larvae are leaf miners on sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), creating distinctive serpentine mines that widen into blotches.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coptodisca matheri: //ˌkɒptɵˈdɪskə ˈmæθərɪ//
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Identification
The bicolored forewings (silvery white basal half, yellow half) are distinctive. Distinguished from other Coptodisca by this color pattern and geographic restriction to Mississippi. Larval mines on Vaccinium arboreum are diagnostic: serpentine gallery starting at leaf base, following margin, then expanding to elongate blotch with completely filling the early mine portion.
Appearance
Very small with wingspan 4.1–4.3 mm. Forewings sharply divided: basal half silvery white, half light yellow. Hindwings uniformly whitish grey.
Habitat
Associated with Vaccinium arboreum (sparkleberry) in its native range; specific conditions not documented.
Distribution
Known only from Mississippi, USA.
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on Vaccinium arboreum leaves. feeding habits unknown.
Host Associations
- Vaccinium arboreum - larval plantlarvae mine leaves
Life Cycle
Larval development occurs within leaf mines on Vaccinium arboreum. Specific details of , timing, and number of per year not documented.
Behavior
Larvae construct serpentine leaf mines beginning at the leaf base, typically tracking the leaf margin before widening into an elongate blotch mine. Early mine sections are completely filled with .
Ecological Role
As a , larvae modify leaf tissue of Vaccinium arboreum; ecological impacts on plant not studied.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or conservation significance. Described in 1974, with minimal subsequent study.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coptodisca speciesSimilar size and mining ; distinguished by forewing color pattern and plant specificity
- Other HeliozelidaeSimilar leaf mining habit; distinguished by mine and association