Scrobipalpa nitentella (Fuchs, 1902) Species
Last modified: Feb. 27, 2024, 11:39 a.m.
A very rare and local species in the north of Belgium.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Gelechiinae > Tribus: Gnorimoschemini > Genus: Scrobipalpa > Species: Scrobipalpa nitentella
- Vernacular names
- Kwelderzandvleugeltje (NL), Common Sea Groundling, Coast Orache Miner (EN), Queller-Palpenmotte (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- Jansen M. G. M. 2002. Scrobipalpa nitentella, nieuw voor de Belgische fauna (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). — Phegea 30(4): 192. On page 192. view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 11–15 mm.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
No pictures yet!Genitalia
Caterpillar
Bionomics
The early instars starts mining the leaves producing a U or horseshoe-shaped mine, later it lives among spun leaves where it furthers mines the thickness of the leaves, or it consumes the unripe seeds which are spun loosely together. Pupation takes place in a cocoon on the ground where it overwinters.
The adults become active before sunset and later come to light.
Flight periods
The adults can be seen from late May till early September. Normally univoltine, but regularly a small second generation appears.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Atriplex portulacoides, Atriplex prostrata, Suaeda maritima and Beta vulgaris L. var. maritima
- Host plant (genera):
- Salicornia, Chenopodium and Salsola
The larva feeds on a large variety of Chenopodiaceae like different species of Atriplex, Chenopodium and Suaeda. Also reported from Salicornia europaea, Beta maritima, Salsola kali.
Habitat
It inhabits salt marshes and xerothermic halophytic vegetation.
