Micrurapteryx occulta
(Braun, 1922)
Micrurapteryx occulta is a small leaf-mining in the Gracillariidae. It occurs across northern North America from the Maritime Provinces to Yukon and south to California. The is highly variable in wing pattern and utilizes multiple legume plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Micrurapteryx occulta: //ˌmaɪkruːˈræptərɪks ɒkˈkʌltə//
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Identification
Distinguished from Micrurapteryx gradatella by variable forewing pattern with pale suffusion in dark disk area and obscured white margin in some specimens; definitive separation may require examination of genitalia or associated larval mines.
Appearance
Small with wingspan 8.7–11.7 mm. Forewing pattern highly variable: dark portion of disk often shows pale-based, dark-tipped creating pale suffusion; white margin sometimes obscured by dark-tipped scales; terminal portion between strigulae 4 and 5 and around spot in specimens with white and margin. Darker specimens have overall peppery appearance.
Habitat
Meadows, forest edges, open ponderosa pine forests, alpine meadows, seashores; occurs from sea level to high mountain elevations where suitable plants are present.
Distribution
Northern North America: Canada (Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon) and United States (Connecticut, Kentucky, Illinois, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California).
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of Lathyrus japonicus, Melilotus albus, Vicia caroliniana, and of Lupinus and Caragana (Fabaceae).
Host Associations
- Lathyrus japonicus - larval
- Melilotus albus - larval
- Vicia caroliniana - larval
- Lupinus - larval -level association
- Caragana - larval -level association
Life Cycle
Larval stage forms leaf mines on plants. Mine is irregular, somewhat , greenish, starting over midrib where whitish.
Behavior
Larvae are leaf miners, creating irregular mines that begin over the leaf midrib.
Ecological Role
on native and introduced legumes; specific ecological role not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Micrurapteryx gradatellaVery similar forewing pattern; M. occulta distinguished by variable pale suffusion in dark disk area and more variable margin
More Details
Taxonomic authority
First described by Annette Frances Braun in 1922.
Wing pattern variability
Forewing pattern is notably variable within the , complicating identification based on external alone.