Hodges#2647

Tebenna gnaphaliella

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Choreutoidea
Family: Choreutidae
Subfamily: Choreutinae
Genus: Tebenna
Species: gnaphaliella

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tebenna gnaphaliella: //tɛˈbɛnə ɡnəˌfælɪˈɛlə//

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Summary

Tebenna gnaphaliella, the everlasting tebenna moth, is a moth of the family Choreutidae found from Florida to California and north to at least New Hampshire. The larvae are leaf miners of various herbaceous plants, primarily those previously classified under Gnaphalium.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan about 7.5-10 mm; larvae are dark shiny green, tapered at both ends, with lighter coloration at each abdominal joint.

Identification Tips

Easily confused with Tebenna silphiella in the Midwest and Pseudotebenna carduiella along the coastal plain from TX to RI.

Habitat

Adults often found on flowers of herbaceous plants in various habitats including coastal areas and valleys.

Distribution

Records from Illinois to Maine, south to Florida, west to east Texas, disjunct population in California, and possibly Ontario.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on plants from the family Asteraceae including Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, Pseudognaphalium helleri, Anaphalis margaritacea, and Helichrysum spp.

Life Cycle

Two generations per year; larvae overwinter and mine inside leaves.

Reproduction

Adults are usually on wing in June and July, with a second flight occurring in September to October in northern regions.

Ecosystem Role

Potential herbivore affecting host plants, especially cultivated and ornamental varieties.

Economic Impact

Can cause considerable damage to cultivated and ornamental plants due to leaf mining activities.