Caloptilia anthobaphes

(Meyrick, 1921)

A leaf-mining in the , found in eastern North America. The feed on Vaccinium , creating mines in leaves. are attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The species was described by Edward in 1921.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Caloptilia anthobaphes: /kæˈlɒptɪliə ænˈθɒbəfiːz/

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Identification

A small in the Caloptilia, which typically rest with held roof-like over the body. -level identification requires examination of or detailed wing pattern analysis. The genus is characterized by elongated wings with distinct and often metallic or coppery coloration. Distinguished from similar leaf-mining microlepidoptera by the combination of association (Vaccinium) and geographic range.

Habitat

Associated with Vaccinium plants, which occur in acidic soils of forests, bogs, and heathlands.

Distribution

Eastern Canada: Nova Scotia, Ontario, Québec, and Saskatchewan; United States: Michigan and Vermont. GBIF records also indicate Alberta.

Seasonality

have been observed in July, coinciding with National Week events. Specific period is not well documented.

Diet

feed on Vaccinium , including Vaccinium ovatum. Feeding occurs within leaf mines. diet is unknown.

Host Associations

  • Vaccinium ovatum - larval

Life Cycle

mine leaves of plants. likely occurs within the mine or in a silken on the leaf surface, as is typical for , though specific details for this are not documented.

Behavior

are and attracted to ultraviolet light sources. are , feeding internally within leaf tissue.

Ecological Role

As a , may influence leaf physiology and in Vaccinium . Potential for and other , though specific interactions are not documented.

Similar Taxa

  • Caloptilia blandellaSimilar and ; distinguished by preferences and pattern details
  • Other Caloptilia speciesMany in this are externally similar; require dissection or for definitive identification

Tags

Sources and further reading