Gnorimoschema coquillettella

Busck, 1902

A small gelechiid described by August Busck in 1902, recorded from California and Colorado. have a wingspan of 11.5–14 mm with distinctive forewing patterning combining yellowish-brown basal areas, pale bluish-white ground color with black-tipped , and dark fuscous costal markings. Larvae form false galls on terminal twigs of Ericameria pinifolia.

Gnorimoschema coquillettella by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.

Gnorimoschema coquillettella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gnorimoschema coquillettella: /nɔːrɪˈmoʊʃɛmə koʊˌkwɪlɪˈtɛlə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Gnorimoschema by the specific forewing pattern: pale bluish-white ground color with black-tipped , combined with the distinctive yellowish-brown basal streak and paired dark fuscous costal semicircles with reddish-brown dots. The small size (11.5–14 mm wingspan) and western North American distribution further aid identification. Similar in the require examination of genitalia or larval association for definitive separation.

Images

Habitat

Associated with stands of Ericameria pinifolia, the larval plant. Specific requirements for unknown; likely occurs in scrub or chaparral where the host grows.

Distribution

Recorded from California and Colorado, United States. North American with restricted western range.

Diet

Larvae feed on Ericameria pinifolia, forming false galls on terminal twigs. feeding habits unknown.

Host Associations

Ericameria pinifolia - larval larvae form false galls on terminal twigs

Life Cycle

Larval stage forms false galls on terminal twigs of Ericameria pinifolia. Complete details unknown; likely includes , larval, pupal, and stages typical of gelechiid moths.

Behavior

Larvae induce gall formation on plant terminal twigs. poorly documented; presumably based on characteristics.

Ecological Role

As a gall-former, larvae alter plant architecture and may influence resource allocation in Ericameria pinifolia. Specific ecological impacts unstudied.

Similar Taxa

Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginisAlso forms elongate stem galls, but on goldenrod (Solidago) rather than Ericameria; different association and geographic pattern
Other Gnorimoschema speciesMany in form galls on Asteraceae; require examination of genitalia or larval plant for reliable identification

More Details

Taxonomic note

Named by August Busck in 1902. The specific epithet coquillettella honors Daniel William Coquillett (1856–1911), American entomologist known for work on Diptera.

Gall morphology

Forms 'false galls' on terminal twigs—abnormal plant growths induced by larval feeding or presence, distinct from 'true galls' initiated by -laying in some related .