Coptotriche zelleriella
(Clemens, 1859)
Coptotriche zelleriella is a small in the Tischeriidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859. The occurs across eastern North America, from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri. Its larvae are leaf miners that feed exclusively on white oak group (Quercus sect. Quercus) species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coptotriche zelleriella: /ˌkɒptoʊˈtraɪki zɛləˈriɛlə/
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Identification
are small with wingspans under 10 mm. The Coptotriche can be distinguished from related Tischeriidae by wing venation and genitalia features. Larval mines are diagnostic: they form distinctive linear-blotch mines on oak leaves, beginning as a narrow gallery and expanding into an irregular blotch. Mines contain arranged in a central line. The is most reliably identified by rearing adults from collected mines or by association with specific oak species in its range.
Habitat
Deciduous forests and woodlands containing white oak group (Quercus alba, Q. bicolor, Q. montana, Q. prinus, Q. rubra, Q. stellata). Occurs in both mature forest stands and fragmented woodland patches where oaks are present.
Distribution
Eastern North America: Ontario and Quebec (Canada); United States from Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania south to North Carolina, Florida, and west to Arkansas, Missouri, Texas. Also recorded from District of Columbia, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of Quercus alba, Quercus bicolor, Quercus montana, Quercus prinus, Quercus rubra, and Quercus stellata. feeding habits unknown.
Host Associations
- Quercus alba - larval
- Quercus bicolor - larval
- Quercus montana - larval
- Quercus prinus - larval
- Quercus rubra - larval
- Quercus stellata - larval
Behavior
Larvae are endophytic leaf miners, feeding between the upper and lower of oak leaves. Mines begin as slender, winding galleries and expand into irregular blotches. is deposited in a central line within the mine. occurs within the mine or in soil.
Ecological Role
likely regulated by . Mines may cause minor localized damage to oak foliage but are not considered significant defoliators. Contributes to leaf litter processing through premature leaf abscission of mined leaves.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coptotriche speciesMany Coptotriche mine oak leaves; accurate identification requires examination of genitalia or molecular analysis
- Tischeria spp.Related leaf-mining in Tischeriidae; differ in mine and wing patterns
- Phyllonorycter spp.Oak-mining in Gracillariidae; typically form tentiform mines on leaf undersides rather than upper-surface blotch mines