Coptodisca matheri
Lafontaine, 1974
A minute in the , described from Mississippi in 1974. have strikingly bicolored with silvery bases and pale tips. The are 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 (silvery half, 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. sharply divided: half silvery , half light . uniformly whitish grey.
Habitat
Associated with Vaccinium arboreum (sparkleberry) in its range; specific conditions not documented.
Distribution
Known only from Mississippi, USA.
Diet
feed exclusively on Vaccinium arboreum leaves. feeding habits unknown.
Host Associations
- Vaccinium arboreum - larval 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
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 , modify leaf tissue of Vaccinium arboreum; ecological impacts on not studied.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or significance. Described in 1974, with minimal subsequent study.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coptodisca speciesSimilar size and mining ; distinguished by color pattern and specificity
- Other HeliozelidaeSimilar leaf mining habit; distinguished by mine and association