Elachista cinereopunctella (Haworth, 1828) Species
Last modified: Nov. 14, 2024, 2:47 p.m.
A very rare species in Belgium, hitherto only known from NA and LX.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Elachistidae > Subfamily: Elachistinae > Genus: Elachista > Species: Elachista cinereopunctella
- Vernacular names
- Grijze zeggemineermot (NL), Grey-spotted Dwarf (EN)
- First mention in Belgium
- Fologne E. 1860. Lépidoptères et chenilles observés en Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 4: 108–112. On page 109 (as Elachista Cinereopunctella. Haw.). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan c. 8 mm.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Caterpillar
The larva about 5–6 mm long is very distinctive, with two rows of red dorsolateral red spots and a brown head. It's possible to see the coloration whilst it is within the leaf-mine.
Cocoon/pupa
Bionomics
The larvae mine various Carex species. The caterpillar mines from late summer to late autumn and overwinters in the mine. After winter, the caterpillar does not make a new mine but continues to mine in the same leaf. The caterpillar pupates on the midrib at the top of the leaf and anchors itself with a silk thread.
The adults come sparsely to light.
Flight periods
Adults fly mostly in May till mid-June.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Carex flacca and Carex humilis
- Host plant (genera):
- Carex
They are to be found on Carex ssp., but especially on Carex flacca and Carex humilis..
