Caloptilia acerifoliella
(Chambers, 1875)
Caloptilia acerifoliella is a leaf-mining in the Gracillariidae. It is known from limited records in Colorado and Utah in the United States. The larvae feed on Acer , creating blotch mines in leaves. The species was described by Chambers in 1875.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Caloptilia acerifoliella: /ˌkælɒpˈtɪliə əˌsɛrɪfoʊliˈɛlə/
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Habitat
Associated with maple (Acer) plants, suggesting occurrence in wooded or forested areas where Acer grow.
Distribution
United States: Colorado and Utah. GBIF records also indicate presence in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, though these may represent misidentifications or range extensions requiring verification.
Diet
Larvae feed on Acer , specifically Acer glabrum and Acer grandidentatum. They mine the leaves of their plant.
Host Associations
- Acer glabrum - larval food plant
- Acer grandidentatum - larval food plant
- Acer - -level association
Behavior
have been observed at ultraviolet lights during surveys.
Ecological Role
; larval feeding creates distinctive blotch mines in maple leaves.
Similar Taxa
- Caloptilia blandellaCongeneric also in Gracillariidae, but distinguished by plant association (C. blandella associated with walnut, Juglans) and different geographic distribution.
- Other Caloptilia speciesMany Caloptilia are leaf miners with similar wing patterns; identification to species level requires examination of genitalia or plant association.