Coptotriche crataegifoliae
(Braun, 1972)
Coptotriche crataegifoliae is a small in the Tischeriidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1972. The is known from a limited range in eastern North America, including Ontario, Quebec, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Its larvae are leaf miners that feed on Crataegus mollis, a hawthorn species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coptotriche crataegifoliae: /ˌkɒptəˈtrɪki krəˌtiːdʒɪˈfoʊli.iː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
of Coptotriche crataegifoliae can be distinguished from other Tischeriidae by association with its plant Crataegus mollis and its specific geographic range. The larval mines are diagnostic: they are blotch mines on hawthorn leaves, with deposited in a distinct pattern characteristic of the Coptotriche. The specific epithet crataegifoliae refers to the hawthorn (Crataegus) host association. Separation from other Coptotriche requires examination of genitalia or molecular data.
Images
Habitat
Associated with stands of Crataegus mollis, which grows in woodland edges, old fields, and disturbed areas with well-drained soils.
Distribution
Eastern North America: Ontario and Quebec in Canada; Ohio and Pennsylvania in the United States.
Diet
Larvae feed on Crataegus mollis leaves, creating blotch mines within the leaf tissue. feeding habits are unknown.
Host Associations
- Crataegus mollis - larval plantdowny hawthorn
Life Cycle
Larvae mine leaves of Crataegus mollis. occurs within the mine or in soil. emerge in spring or early summer.
Behavior
Larvae are endophagous leaf miners, feeding between the upper and lower leaf . The mining creates visible blotch mines on hawthorn foliage.
Ecological Role
As a , larvae may influence leaf physiology and nutrient cycling in hawthorn stands. The is a herbivore with narrow association.
Human Relevance
No significant economic or ecological impact to humans. Of interest to lepidopterists and researchers studying leaf-mining insects.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coptotriche speciesCongeneric also mine leaves of Rosaceae ; separation requires detailed morphological or molecular examination.
- Tischeria speciesRelated in Tischeriidae with similar leaf-mining habits on oaks and other ; differs in mine shape and host association.
More Details
Original description
Described by Annette Frances Braun in 1972. Braun was a prolific American lepidopterist who described many microlepidoptera.
Observation data
As of source data, 32 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating limited but documented occurrence.