Neurostrota gunniella
(Busck, 1906)
mimosa stem-mining moth
Neurostrota gunniella is a gracillariid native to the Americas, introduced to Australia in 1989 as a agent for the weed Mimosa pigra. The exhibits strong microhabitat selection for edge within plant stands, with larvae causing greater damage to branches at thicket edges than in interior areas. It has been observed in both wet and dry seasons, maintaining consistent attack rates across locations but concentrating feeding activity at habitat margins.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neurostrota gunniella: //ˌnjʊə.roʊˈstrɒ.tə ˌɡʌn.iˈɛ.lə//
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Identification
Larvae can be detected by characteristic feeding damage on Mimosa pigra branches; specific morphological features for field identification are not described in available sources.
Habitat
Edges of Mimosa pigra thickets; shows preference for margins over interior areas regardless of season.
Distribution
Native range: Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Texas (USA). Introduced range: Northern Territory, Australia (1989); Thailand.
Seasonality
Active in both wet and dry seasons; maintains consistent attack rates on plants year-round in tropical climates.
Diet
Larvae feed on Mimosa pigra, mining stems and feeding on leaves and leaflets.
Host Associations
- Mimosa pigra - obligate Primary and only known ; introduced to Australia specifically for of this weed.
Behavior
Strong microhabitat selection for edge ; larvae concentrate feeding damage on branches at thicket edges rather than interior locations. Attack rates remain consistent across edge and interior locations, but damage intensity is significantly higher at edges.
Ecological Role
herbivore and agent; reduces vigor of Mimosa pigra , particularly at edges where damage is concentrated.
Human Relevance
Intentionally introduced to Australia in 1989 for of giant sensitive plant (Mimosa pigra), a serious weed of wetlands and floodplains. Its edge-associated damage pattern has implications for predicting and managing weed suppression outcomes.
Similar Taxa
- Other GracillariidaeMany gracillariids are leaf miners; N. gunniella is distinguished by stem-mining habit on Mimosa pigra and its specific association with this plant.
- Other biological control agents for Mimosa pigraMultiple agents have been released against this weed; N. gunniella is distinguished by its stem-mining larval habit and edge-associated distribution pattern.
More Details
Introduction history
Introduced to the Northern Territory, Australia in 1989 as part of a program against Mimosa pigra.
Damage patterns
While attack rates are similar across edge and interior locations, edge branches sustain more intensive damage per branch and retain more leaves and leaflets at the end of the dry season, suggesting edge plants experience greater chronic herbivory pressure.