Cosmopterix pulchrimella Chambers, 1875 Species
Last modified: March 1, 2024, 11:49 a.m.
A very rare species in Belgium, hitherto only known from WV, first recorded in 2017. In some cities like Brugge the species is not rare (see Meert R. 2019b).
Details
- Classification
- Family: Cosmopterigidae > Subfamily: Cosmopteriginae > Genus: Cosmopterix > Species: Cosmopterix pulchrimella
- Vernacular names
- Glaskruidprachtmot (NL), Glaskraut-Prachtfalter (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- Steeman C. & Sierens T. 2018. Interessante waarnemingen van Lepidoptera in België in 2017 (Lepidoptera). — Phegea 46(2): 31–47. On page 33. view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 6,5 –9 mm. Blackish forewing with white streaks and a broad orange fascia at about one-quarter, banded by raised silver-metallic scales. Abdomen metallic blackish or silver.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Mine
At first, a short gallery soon widening into an irregular blotch. The species prefers plants that grow in shaded areas. The blotches are very transparant and the larvae well-seen. When several leaves are mined, the infestation can be noticed from a distance.
See also bladmineerders.be
Bionomics
Later instars of the larva spin a part of the mine together into a hiding shelter or a place to rest between feeding periods. Pupation inside the mine.
Flight periods
Perhaps two or three generations a year, difficult to separate.
Hitherto, only observations of adults in the autumn.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Parietaria judaica
Monophagous on Parietaria spec.
