Eriocraniella xanthocara
Davis, 1978
Eriocraniella xanthocara is a small, iridescent in the Eriocraniidae, described by Donald R. Davis in 1978. It is to California, ranging from Shasta County south to Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz Island. are active in spring from early March to late April, with one per year. The larvae are leaf miners on two oak .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eriocraniella xanthocara: /ˌɛr.i.oʊ.kræˈniː.lə zænˈθoʊ.kə.rə/
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Identification
Distinguished by the combination of very small size (<9 mm wingspan), (unmarked) dark fuscous forewings with strong greenish blue iridescence, and purplish-tinged hindwings with broad . The specific epithet 'xanthocara' (yellow-headed) refers to the larval coloration. active only in early spring (March–April) in California oak .
Habitat
Oak woodlands and forests; associated with oaks Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak) and Quercus wislizenii (interior live oak).
Distribution
to California, USA. Documented from Shasta County south to Santa Clara County, including Santa Cruz Island.
Seasonality
on wing from early March to late April. (one per year).
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of Quercus agrifolia and Quercus wislizenii, mining within leaf tissue.
Host Associations
- Quercus agrifolia - larval food plantcoast live oak
- Quercus wislizenii - larval food plantinterior live oak
Life Cycle
Larvae are leaf miners on oak leaves. and details not documented. emerge in early spring.
Behavior
Larvae mine leaves of oaks. period restricted to early spring.
Ecological Role
on native California oaks; role in not specifically documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or cultural significance. Of interest to lepidopterists studying California fauna.
Similar Taxa
- Other Eriocraniella speciesSimilar small size and iridescence; E. xanthocara distinguished by dark fuscous forewings with greenish blue (not golden or coppery) iridescence, specific larval oaks, and California distribution.
- Other Eriocraniidae members share primitive characteristics; E. xanthocara distinguished by specific wing coloration, size, and geographic range.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym, but GBIF and other sources treat it as accepted. The taxonomic status may require verification.
Etymology
Specific epithet 'xanthocara' derives from Greek xanthos (yellow) and kara (), referring to the stramineous (yellowish) larval head capsule.