Marmara smilacisella

(Chambers, 1875)

Marmara smilacisella is a microlepidopteran in the Gracillariidae. The was described by Chambers in 1875 and is known from the southeastern United States. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Smilax species. The species is one of approximately 700 described species in the Marmara, a diverse group of neotropical and nearctic leaf-mining moths.

Marmara smilacisella by Clara Dandridge. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Marmara smilacisella: /mɑrˈmɑrɑ smɪləsˈɛlə/

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Distribution

United States: Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas. The range extends from the Ohio River valley southward through the southeastern states.

Diet

Larvae feed on Smilax glabra, Smilax glauca, and Smilax hispida (greenbrier ).

Host Associations

Smilax glabra - larval food plant
Smilax glauca - larval food plant
Smilax hispida - larval food plant

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Marmara smilaciella by Chambers in 1875, the name was later corrected to Marmara smilacisella. The belongs to the Phyllocnistinae, a group known for serpentine leaf-mining larvae.