Acrocercops arbutella
Braun, 1925
Acrocercops arbutella is a small in the Gracillariidae, first described by Braun in 1925. The is to Arizona, United States, where it occurs on its plant Arbutus arizonica. Larvae are leaf miners that create distinctive upper surface blotch mines on the leaves of their host.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrocercops arbutella: /ˌæ.krəˈsɜr.kɒps ˌɑr.bjuˈtɛl.ə/
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Identification
The is distinguished from other Acrocercops by its association with Arbutus arizonica as the sole known plant. The larval mine is recognizable as a large upper surface blotch with a thin, whitish loosened that later turns brownish. The feeding pattern within the mine is variable: parenchyma may be almost entirely consumed over about half the mine, or irregularly eaten across the entire mine.
Images
Habitat
Associated with stands of Arbutus arizonica, a tree native to the sky island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona.
Distribution
Known only from Arizona, United States.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaf parenchyma of Arbutus arizonica.
Host Associations
- Arbutus arizonica - plantsole known ; larvae mine leaves
Behavior
Larvae mine leaves, creating upper surface blotch mines. The loosened remains thin and initially whitish, later turning brownish.
Ecological Role
on Arbutus arizonica; and broader ecological impacts unstudied.
Similar Taxa
- Other Acrocercops speciesDistinguished by plant specificity (Arbutus arizonica) and mine characteristics; many occur on different host plants in different geographic regions.