Mining-larva
Guides
Dasypyga alternosquamella
snout moth
A specialist snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) endemic to western North America. Described by Ragonot in 1887, this species has evolved a strict ecological dependency on dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium). Its larvae are obligate herbivores that mine mistletoe shoots, often killing the host plant. The species represents a notable case of host-specific herbivory with measurable ecological impacts on mistletoe populations.
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The genus Microrhopala comprises small hispine leaf beetles characterized by clubbed antennae. Species in this genus are host-specific herbivores, with adults feeding on foliage and larvae mining within leaves. The specific epithet "rubrolineata" (red-lined) and subspecific name "militaris" suggest distinctive coloration, though detailed distinguishing features from nominate M. rubrolineata are not documented in available sources.