Gnorimoschema coquillettella

Busck, 1902

A small described by August Busck in 1902, recorded from California and Colorado. have a wingspan of 11.5–14 mm with distinctive patterning combining yellowish- areas, pale bluish- ground color with black-tipped , and dark fuscous markings. form false on 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 pattern: pale bluish- ground color with black-tipped , combined with the distinctive yellowish- and paired dark fuscous semicircles with reddish-brown dots. The small size (11.5–14 mm wingspan) and western North distribution further aid identification. Similar in the require examination of or larval association for definitive separation.

Images

Habitat

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

Distribution

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

Diet

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

Host Associations

Ericameria pinifolia - larval form false on twigs

Life Cycle

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

Behavior

induce formation on twigs. poorly documented; presumably based on characteristics.

Ecological Role

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

Similar Taxa

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

More Details

Taxonomic note

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

Gall morphology

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