Perittia herrichiella
(Herrich-Schäffer, 1855)
Perittia herrichiella is a small in the , characterized by its leaf-mining larval stage on honeysuckles and related plants. The has a trans-Palearctic distribution across Europe and has been to North America, where it is established in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. are active in summer, while feed internally in leaves of plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Perittia herrichiella: /pɛˈrɪtiə hɛˌrɪkiˈɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar leaf-mining by association with Lonicera and Symphoricarpos plants; larval mines may be diagnostic but specific mine is not documented. Small size (8–9 mm wingspan) and summer period help narrow identification.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 8–9 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with stands of plants: Lonicera alpigena, L. periclymenum, L. tatarica, L. xylosteum, and Symphoricarpos albus. Specific (forest edge, shrubland, garden, etc.) is not documented.
Distribution
range: Sweden and Finland south to Pyrenees and Italy, and from France east to Baltic region and Romania. Also recorded in Russia. range: North America (New York, Ontario, Indiana, Michigan), with expected establishment in southeastern Canada and north-central to northeastern United States.
Seasonality
active May to August. present June to mid-August or October, depending on location.
Diet
feed on Lonicera alpigena, Lonicera periclymenum, Lonicera tatarica, Lonicera xylosteum, and Symphoricarpos albus. diet is not documented.
Host Associations
- Lonicera alpigena - larval
- Lonicera periclymenum - larval
- Lonicera tatarica - larval
- Lonicera xylosteum - larval
- Symphoricarpos albus - larval
Life Cycle
Larval stage mines leaves of plants. and details are not documented. Larval period extends from June to mid-August or October depending on location.
Behavior
are , feeding internally within leaves rather than externally. beyond period is not documented.
Ecological Role
As a , may reduce photosynthetic capacity of plants, though -level impacts are not documented. Role in (, ) is not documented.
Human Relevance
Not known to be of economic or medical importance. North suggest potential for accidental transport via horticultural material.
Similar Taxa
- Other Perittia speciesSimilar small size and leaf-mining habit; requires examination or association for reliable identification
- Other Elachistidae leaf minersConvergent leaf-mining ; specificity and are primary diagnostic features
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described as Tinagma herrichiella by Herrich-Schäffer in 1855; later transferred to Perittia.
North American introduction
First recorded in North America in the 20th century; now established in multiple northeastern states and provinces. Expected to expand range in suitable climates with availability.