Astrotischeria astericola
(Braun, 1972)
Astrotischeria astericola is a small in the Tischeriidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1972. The is associated with woodland asters (Symphyotrichum) in eastern North America, where its larvae create distinctive leaf mines. It is one of relatively few species in this family that has been documented with specific plant relationships.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Astrotischeria astericola: /ˌæstɹoʊtɪˈʃiːɹiə ˌæstɚɪˈkoʊlə/
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Identification
are minute with reduced wing venation characteristic of Tischeriidae. Larval activity is indicated by serpentine or blotch mines on leaves of Symphyotrichum , particularly S. cordifolium and S. lateriflorum. The specific epithet 'astericola' reflects this association. Separation from other Astrotischeria species requires examination of genitalia or larval host records.
Images
Habitat
Eastern North American woodlands, particularly areas supporting of woodland asters (Symphyotrichum cordifolium, S. lateriflorum).
Distribution
Eastern North America; documented from Ohio and surrounding regions.
Diet
Larvae feed on woodland asters (Symphyotrichum), specifically Symphyotrichum cordifolium and Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, mining the leaves of these plants.
Host Associations
- Symphyotrichum cordifolium - larval
- Symphyotrichum lateriflorum - larval
Life Cycle
Larval stage creates leaf mines on plant foliage. presumably occurs in the soil or leaf litter, as is typical for Tischeriidae, though this has not been directly documented for this .
Behavior
Larvae are leaf miners, feeding internally within plant leaves and creating visible mines.
Ecological Role
As a , larvae may influence photosynthetic capacity of plants and serve as prey for .
Similar Taxa
- Other Astrotischeria speciesCongeneric may overlap in distribution; reliable identification requires plant association or genital dissection.
- Other Tischeriidae leaf minersSimilar mining patterns on asteraceous plants; specificity and distinguish A. astericola.
More Details
Original description
First described as Tischeria astericola by Annette Frances Braun in 1972, later transferred to Astrotischeria.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'astericola' derives from Aster (the former of plants) + -cola (dweller), referring to its association with aster host plants.