Scrobipalpa acuminatella
(Sircom, 1850)
pointed groundling
A small with distinctive pointed , found across Europe, Asia, and recently established in Canada. The is notable for its association with thistles and related Asteraceae plants. from spring through summer, with mining or feeding on foliage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scrobipalpa acuminatella: /skroʊbiˈpælpə əˌkjuːmɪnəˈtɛlə/
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Identification
The combination of small size (10.5–14.5 mm wingspan), distinctly pointed especially in females, and the characteristic structure ( joint shorter than second) separates this from . Dark fuscous forewings with ochreous discal mixing and indistinct darker are diagnostic. In North America, it may be confused with Scrobipalpa , but the pointed forewing and specific associations with thistles aid recognition.
Images
Habitat
Open supporting thistle , including meadows, grasslands, areas, and agricultural margins. Associated with both and weedy Carduus and Cirsium stands.
Distribution
Widespread across Europe; extends east through Turkey, southern Siberia, and Central Asia (Afghanistan, northern Iran, western Kazakhstan) to China (Anhui). Recently documented in North America with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec, Canada.
Seasonality
active from April to August, with exact timing varying by geographic location and local climate conditions.
Diet
feed on Carduus and Cirsium (thistles), including cotton thistle (Onopordum acanthium), Artemisia species, and Serratula tinctoria. Mining or feeding occurs within foliage.
Host Associations
- Carduus - larval foodplant
- Cirsium - larval foodplant
- Onopordum acanthium - larval foodplantcotton thistle
- Artemisia - larval foodplant
- Serratula tinctoria - larval foodplant
Life Cycle
with larval development occurring on plants; specific details of site and stage not documented in available sources.
Ecological Role
specializing on thistles and related Asteraceae; may contribute to biological regulation of weedy thistle in some contexts.
Human Relevance
Potential interest for of thistles due to ; no significant economic impact documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Scrobipalpa speciesMany share similar size and coloration; S. acuminatella distinguished by pointed , proportions, and associations.
- Gelechiidae gen. spp.Small with grey- coloration are numerous; shape and detailed examination required for definitive identification.
More Details
North American establishment
First Canadian records from Ontario and Québec represent a recent range expansion, likely via human-mediated introduction. status and potential spread in North America remain under investigation.