Caloptilia azaleella
| Caloptilia azaleella | |
|---|---|
 | |
| ptilia azaleella | |
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Infraorder: | Heteroneura |
| Family: | Gracillariidae |
| Genus: | Caloptilia |
| Species: | C. azaleella |
| Binomial name | |
| Caloptilia azaleella (Brants, 1913) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The Azalea leaf miner[1] (Caloptilia azaleella) is a moth of the Gracillariidae family. It is endemic to Japan, but has been introduced worldwide.[2]
The wingspan is 10–11 millimetres (0.39–0.43 in). The moth flies from May to October depending on the location.
The larvae feed on Azalea species.
Distribution
In the United States the species can be found from Florida to Texas, and as far north as Long Island, New York, West Virginia, and the Ohio Valley.[1]
Ecology
The species deposits their eggs under the leaves near midrib. As soon as larvae mature, it usually chooses undamaged leaf and rolls up in it and pupates. A week later the species start mating.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Azalea leaf miner". University of Florida. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
- ↑ "Caloptilia azaleella (Brants, 1913)". 2.5. Fauna Europaea. July 23, 2012. Retrieved March 24, 2013.