Metriochroa
Busck, 1900
Species Guides
1Metriochroa is a of leaf-mining in the Gracillariidae, Oecophyllembiinae. are known from Asia, Africa, and possibly other regions. The genus was established by Busck in 1900. Larvae create leaf mines on plants. Pupal has been described as diagnostic for distinguishing Oecophyllembiinae from related groups.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Metriochroa: //mɛtriˈɒkrə//
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Identification
Pupae possess diagnostic characters distinguishing Oecophyllembiinae from Phyllocnistis: cocoon cutter with lateral processes or setae on the ; tergal spines with only a pair of setae (lacking dorsal hooks); and with more than two pairs of caudal processes. identification features not detailed in available sources.
Distribution
China (M. symplocosella described from China); broader distribution includes Japan and other regions based on authorships, though specific localities for most species not detailed in available sources.
Host Associations
- Symplocos anomala - larval plant of M. symplocosella
- Symplocos sumuntia - larval plant of M. symplocosella
Life Cycle
Leaf-mining larvae; pupal stage described with diagnostic morphological characters including specialized cocoon cutter, tergal spine structure, and multi-paired processes.
Behavior
Larvae are leaf miners, creating mines in plant foliage.
Similar Taxa
- PhyllocnistisSimilar leaf-mining ; distinguished by pupal characters: Phyllocnistis lacks lateral processes on cocoon cutter, has hooks on tergal spines, and with only one pair of caudal processes.
- CorythoxestisRelated Oecophyllembiinae with similar pupal ; distinguished by specific pupal character states.
- EumetriochroaRelated Oecophyllembiinae ; pupal described in same study revealing diagnostic differences.