Coleophora parthenica
Meyrick, 1891
Russian Thistle Stem Miner Moth
Coleophora parthenica is a case-bearing to western North America as a agent for Russian thistle (Salsola spp.). to arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, it was intentionally released in California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Hawaii. The has proven ineffective as a agent due to pressure and with its . are creamy-, and are orange, approximately 17 mm at maturity.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coleophora parthenica: //ˌkə.leˈɒf.ə.rə ˌpɑːrˈθɛ.nɪ.kə//
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Identification
are distinguished by their uniform creamy- coloration. are identified by their orange coloration, case-bearing habit typical of , and association with Salsola plants. The is distinguished from North Coleophora by its status and documented association with Russian thistle.
Appearance
are creamy-. Full-grown are orange and approximately 17 mm in length.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions. Associated with supporting Salsola , including disturbed sites, agricultural fields, and rangelands.
Distribution
to North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia (including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey). and established in the United States in California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Seasonality
Up to three per year in warm areas; one to two generations in cooler areas.
Diet
feed on Salsola , including Salsola australis.
Host Associations
- Salsola australis - larval Documented for larval feeding.
- Salsola spp. - larval General association for Russian thistle .
Life Cycle
Up to three per year in warm climates; one to two generations in cooler regions. Larval development occurs within stems of plants.
Behavior
mine within stems of plants. Case-bearing habit typical of .
Ecological Role
agent for Salsola . Established but ineffective due to pressure and - asynchrony.
Human Relevance
Intentionally for of Russian thistle, an agricultural weed. The introduction is considered unsuccessful in providing effective weed suppression.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coleophora speciesSimilar case-bearing larval and size; distinguished by association with Salsola and documented range in western North America.
- Other stem-mining LepidopteraSimilar larval feeding habit; distinguished by specific association with Salsola and orange larval coloration at maturity.
More Details
Biocontrol Failure
Despite intentional introduction, C. parthenica failed to establish effective control of Russian thistle. Research identified and between and availability as primary contributing factors.