Aristotelia subdecurtella (Stainton, 1859) Species
Last modified: Feb. 26, 2024, 6:04 p.m.
A very rare species of wetland habitats in Belgium.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Anomologinae > Genus: Aristotelia > Species: Aristotelia subdecurtella
- Vernacular names
- Echte pistoolmot (NL)
- First mention in Belgium
- Jacobs M. & De Prins W. 2011. Aristotelia subdecurtella, a new species to Belgium (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). — Phegea 39(1): 3–7. On page 3. view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 13–15 mm.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Head and prothoracic plate black, pair of small white lateral spots on thoracic segment II, four white small spots at incision between thoracic segment III and abdomen; abdomen dull reddish to reddish brown; pinacula tiny; anal plate blackish; thoracic legs blackish (Gregersen & Karsholt 2022).
Bionomics
The caterpillars live in the tops of fresh shoots, where the top leaves are spun together (and change color). Black, conspicious frass are extruded from the larval habitation. The caterpillar itself withdraws to the heart of the shoot and even bores a little downward into the stem top.
The adults become active from late afternoon and later come to light.
Flight periods
The adults fly from early June towards early August.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Lythrum salicaria
The larva lives on Lythrum salicaria. Also reported are Stachys palustris and Veronica anagallis-aquatica.
Habitat
It occurs in wetlands, fens moors, river valleys, and wet shady places.
