Cycloplasis panicifoliella
Clemens, 1864
Cycloplasis panicifoliella is a small in the Heliodinidae, first described by Clemens in 1864. The is known to form distinctive leaf mines on panic grasses (Panicum spp.), with the specific epithet referencing this association. are minute with metallic coloration typical of the family. The species has been documented primarily in eastern North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cycloplasis panicifoliella: //ˌsaɪkloʊˈpleɪsɪs ˌpænɪsɪfoʊˈliɛlə//
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Identification
Minute size (wingspan approximately 5–7 mm). Forewings narrow, , with metallic golden or bronze sheen. Hindwings narrower than forewings, with long fringes. , nearly as long as forewing. Distinguished from other Heliodinidae by the combination of plant (Panicum) and the linear, serpentine leaf mine with arranged in a central line.
Habitat
Associated with open, sunny supporting grasses, including prairies, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed grasslands.
Distribution
Eastern North America, with records from the northeastern United States south to Florida and west to the Great Plains.
Diet
Larva feeds internally on leaf tissue of Panicum (panic grasses), forming serpentine mines.
Host Associations
- Panicum - primary larval
Ecological Role
; larval feeding creates galleries in grass leaves. Role in poorly documented; likely prey for and .
Similar Taxa
- Other Cycloplasis speciesSimilar size and metallic coloration; distinguished by plant specificity and mine
- Other Heliodinidae leaf miners on grassesRequire dissection or molecular analysis for definitive identification; association is primary distinguishing character