Stilbosis tesquella
Clemens, 1860
Hog-peanut Leaf-sewer
Stilbosis tesquella is a small in the Cosmopterigidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from 17 U.S. states and Quebec. The is notable for its specialized larval diet on leguminous plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stilbosis tesquella: /stɪlˈboʊsɪs tɛsˈkwɛlə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Stilbosis by its North American distribution and association with legume . The extremely small size (4–6 mm wingspan) and narrow-winged profile are characteristic of Cosmopterigidae. Specific identification likely requires examination of genitalia or molecular analysis.
Appearance
Wingspan 4–6 mm. Small with narrow wings typical of the Cosmopterigidae.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Quebec (Canada), Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Seasonality
recorded on wing from May to September.
Diet
Larvae feed on Amphicarpa bracteata (hog-peanut) and Lespedeza (bush clovers).
Host Associations
- Amphicarpa bracteata - larval food planthog-peanut
- Lespedeza - larval food plantbush clovers; specific not identified
Ecological Role
herbivore on leguminous plants; larval feeding may influence seed production in plants.
Similar Taxa
- Other Stilbosis speciesCosmopterigidae contains multiple Stilbosis ; S. tesquella is distinguished by its North American range and documented legume . Specific differentiation requires detailed morphological or molecular study.