Coleotechnites apicitripunctella
(Clemens, 1860)
Green Hemlock Needleminer, Hemlock Leaf Miner, Baldcypress Webworm
A small whose mine needles of eastern hemlock and bald cypress. The has one annually and occurs in eastern North America. Larvae are distinctive with yellowish-green bodies, orange- , and dark green spots.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coleotechnites apicitripunctella: //kəˌliːoʊtɛkˈnaɪtiːz æˌpɪsɪtraɪpʌŋkˈtɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
identified by combination of yellowish-green body, orange- , gray-margined prothoracic shield, and scattered dark green spots. Mines needles of Tsuga canadensis or Taxodium distichum. beige coloration with brown markings is non-diagnostic; dissection or may be required for definitive identification.
Images
Habitat
Forests and wooded areas supporting trees: Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) in cool, moist environments and Taxodium distichum (bald cypress) in wetlands and riparian zones.
Distribution
Eastern United States and eastern Canada.
Seasonality
One per year; specific period not documented.
Diet
feeds on needles/leaves of Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) and Taxodium distichum (bald cypress).
Host Associations
- Tsuga canadensis - larval Eastern or Canadian hemlock
- Taxodium distichum - larval Bald cypress
Life Cycle
(one per year). Larval stage mines needles. details not documented.
Behavior
mines interior of needles, creating visible damage. Specific not documented.
Ecological Role
; needle-mining that consumes photosynthetic tissue of conifer . impacts on host trees not documented.
Human Relevance
Potential minor pest of ornamental hemlocks and bald cypress; no documented economic significance.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coleotechnites speciesMany are needle miners on conifers; require examination or molecular analysis for separation.
- Other Gelechiidae larvae on TsugaLarval color pattern (orange- , gray-margined prothoracic shield, dark green spots) appears distinctive but confirmation needed.
More Details
Common name variation
Called 'green hemlock needleminer' when associated with Tsuga, 'baldcypress ' when associated with Taxodium—same , different based on .