Brachylomia
Hampson, 1906
Minor Shoulder-knot (B. viminalis)
Brachylomia is a of small in the tribe Xylenini, containing approximately 17 described . The genus occurs across the Holarctic region, with species distributed in North America, Europe, and Asia. Brachylomia viminalis, the Minor Shoulder-knot, is the best-known species and serves as the primary reference for understanding the genus. Most species are associated with damp and willow-dominated vegetation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brachylomia: /ˌbræ.kɪˈloʊ.mi.ə/
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Identification
in this are small with lengths typically 13–15 mm. Brachylomia viminalis shows diagnostic short black streaks at the base of the forewing on a light grey ground color, though coloration is variable. North species were revised in 2007, distinguishing four new species based on and external characters.
Images
Habitat
Damp , particularly those supporting willow (Salix). Associated with riparian zones, wetlands, and other moist environments where plants grow.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution: widespread across the Palaearctic from Europe to Japan; North America including the United States (Vermont) and Canada; Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden).
Seasonality
active during summer months; B. viminalis in July and August.
Diet
feed on shoots and leaves of willow (Salix), particularly grey willow (Salix cinerea). Feeding is in later larval stages.
Host Associations
- Salix cinerea - primary larval grey willow
- Salix - larval wide variety of willow
Life Cycle
laid singly or in small groups on willow twigs; overwinters as egg; eggs hatch in spring; initially feed on shoots, later stages feed nocturnally and hide by day in spinnings on leaves; in leaf litter or just under soil surface.
Behavior
attracted to light. Adults feed at flowers during season. hide by day in spinnings on leaves of shoots.
Ecological Role
Larval on willows; contributes to through leaf consumption and processing.
Human Relevance
B. viminalis has declined significantly in Britain since the 1970s and is classified as 'near-threatened' there. Subject of sequencing research (782.2 Mb chromosomal assembly).
Similar Taxa
- Other Xylenini generaSimilar small size and ; distinguished by characters and pattern elements such as the black streaks in B. viminalis.