Coleotechnites occidentis

(Freeman, 1965)

Coleotechnites occidentis is a small gelechiid described by Freeman in 1965. The is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. have a wingspan of 9–11 mm. Larvae are leaf and stem miners that feed on Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum).

Coleotechnites occidentis by (c) Thomas Irvine, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Irvine. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coleotechnites occidentis: /ˌkɒliːoʊtɛkˈnaɪtiːz ˌɒksɪˈdɛntɪs/

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

Identification

Wingspan 9–11 mm. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing this from other Coleotechnites are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Associated with Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), suggesting occurrence in juniper woodlands and scrublands.

Distribution

Recorded from British Columbia, Canada. GBIF distribution records indicate presence in Canada and the United States, though specific localities within the U.S. are not detailed.

Diet

Larvae feed on Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper). They mine both leaves and stems of the plant.

Host Associations

  • Juniperus scopulorum - larval leaf and stem miner

Life Cycle

Larval stage mines leaves and stems of plant. Details of , timing, and number of per year are not documented.

Behavior

Larvae exhibit mining within plant tissues. behavior patterns are not described.

Ecological Role

As a herbivore on Juniperus scopulorum, likely contributes to natural turnover of juniper foliage. Specific ecological impacts are not quantified.

Similar Taxa

  • Coleotechnites speciescongeneric share similar size range and associations with junipers; precise identification requires examination of genitalia or other subtle morphological features not specified in available sources

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Sources and further reading