Phyllonorycter martiella
(Braun, 1908)
Phyllonorycter martiella is a micro- in the Gracillariidae, known from eastern North America. are extremely small with a wingspan of approximately 6.8 mm. The is a leaf-mining , with larvae feeding on birch species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phyllonorycter martiella: /ˌfɪloʊˈnɒrɪktər ˌmɑrtiˈɛlə/
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Identification
Extremely small size (wingspan ~6.8 mm) distinguishes this from larger leaf-mining . Within Phyllonorycter, -level identification typically requires examination of genitalia or larval association. Known from Betula lenta (sweet birch) as a host, which may aid identification where this host occurs.
Habitat
Associated with birch forests and woodlands where plants of the Betula occur. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.
Distribution
Eastern North America: Canada (British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Québec, Ontario, Alberta) and United States (Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, Vermont, Kentucky). The Alberta and British Columbia records extend the range westward.
Diet
Larvae feed on Betula , including Betula lenta (sweet birch). They mine the leaves of their plant, creating blotch mines typical of the .
Host Associations
- Betula lenta - larval sweet birch
- Betula - larval -level association
Behavior
Larvae are leaf miners, feeding within birch leaves. are attracted to light and have been documented at blacklight setups.
Ecological Role
As a , larvae contribute to nutrient cycling in birch . The is part of the diverse of micro- associated with deciduous forests.
Similar Taxa
- Other Phyllonorycter speciesMany congeneric are extremely similar in external appearance and require genitalia dissection or plant association for reliable identification.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Described by Braun in 1908. The is part of the large Phyllonorycter, which contains numerous morphologically similar species.