Gnorimoschema septentrionella
Fyles, 1911
A small gelechiid described by Fyles in 1911. The is known from northern and north-central North America, with records spanning Canada and the northern United States. Larvae are gall-formers on Aster junceus. Wingspan approximately 20 mm.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gnorimoschema septentrionella: //nɔːr.ɪ.moʊˈskɛ.mə sɛpˌtɛn.tɹi.əˈnɛl.lə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
A small with wingspan around 20 mm. Specific diagnostic features for field identification are not documented in available sources. presumably resemble other small Gnorimoschema , requiring genitalia dissection or larval association for reliable identification.
Habitat
Associated with supporting its plant Aster junceus, a of aster found in various open and semi-open environments in northern North America.
Distribution
Recorded from Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Saskatchewan in Canada; and from Maine, Michigan, and Minnesota in the United States.
Diet
Larvae feed on Aster junceus. feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Aster junceus - larval plantLarvae form galls on this
Life Cycle
Larvae form galls on their plant. Details of , , and timing are not documented.
Behavior
Larvae induce gall formation on plant stems. patterns are not described in available sources.
Ecological Role
As a gall-former, modifies plant tissue to create protected feeding chambers. The ecological significance of this interaction in broader contexts has not been studied.
Similar Taxa
- Other Gnorimoschema speciesMany are small, brownish gelechiids with similar wing patterns; reliable separation often requires examination of genitalia or knowledge of larval plant
- Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginisAlso a gall-forming Gnorimoschema , but occurs on goldenrod (Solidago) rather than Aster; gall shape and plant distinguish the two
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Blacklighting at the Bohart: They Saw the Light | Bug Squad
- Meet 'The Moth Man' at Bohart Museum's Moth Night | Bug Squad
- Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis Archives - Entomology Today
- How Some Insects Turn Plants Into Pollution Detectors
- goldenrod gall - Entomology Today