Haplochrois bipunctella
(Chambers, 1880)
Haplochrois bipunctella is a small in the Elachistidae. It occurs in the southwestern and south-central United States, where its larvae are specialized gall-formers on Croton engelmannii. The has a single documented plant and exhibits distinctive larval including petiole gall formation and seed mining. are active during the warm season from late spring through early autumn.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Haplochrois bipunctella: /ˈhap.loʊ.krɔɪs baɪˌpʌŋkˈtɛl.ə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are small in the Elachistidae. Specific diagnostic features for field identification are not documented in available sources. Larval presence may be indicated by galls on the petioles of Croton engelmannii and associated seed mining damage.
Habitat
Associated with supporting Croton engelmannii, a spurge occurring in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas in the United States.
Seasonality
have been observed from May through September.
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on Croton engelmannii, forming petiole galls and mining seeds. feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Croton engelmannii - larval plantLarvae create petiole galls and mine seeds
Behavior
Larvae create distinctive leaf petiole galls and mine the seeds of their plant.
Similar Taxa
- Other Haplochrois speciesGeneric assignment based on morphological features; specific distinguishing characters for H. bipunctella require examination
- Other Elachistidae-level similarity in small size and wing venation; plant association and gall formation are diagnostic for this
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Aetia bipunctella by Chambers in 1880, later transferred to Haplochrois.