Tachyerges stigma (Germar, 1821)

mine

Oviposition in the base of the midrib, without giving rise to a oviposition scar. The larva initially bores inside the midrib. Later it leaves the midrib, forming a broad corridor in the blade, that widens into a blotch. Finally the legless larva pupates in a globular cocoon inside the mine. Because the mine develops at a time that the leaf is fully developed, mined leaves are not disfigured.

host plants

Betulaceae, Salicaceae; narrowly polyphagous

Alnus glutinosa; Betula nana, pendula; Corylus avellana; Salix caprea, cinerea, repens, viminalis.

Roques (1998a) moreover mentions Populus alba, nigra, but this is not supported by Hering (1957a), Scherf (1964a), Robbins (1991a) or Morris (1993a).

phenology

Larvae in May and August (Hering, 1957a), June-August (Scherf, 1964a); adults emerge in August (Rheinheimer & Hassler, 2010a).

BENELUX

BE observed (Delbol, 2009; Curculionidae.be, 2010).

NE observed (Heijerman, 1993a).

LUX not observed (Fauna Europaea, 2007).

distribution within Europe

From the UK, Germany, Poland and Russia to France, Italy and Bulgaria (Fauna Europaea, 2007).

synonyms

Rhynchaenus stigma.

notes

Only shortly ago it was discovered that T. stigma comprised a second species viz., T. pseudostigma (Tempère, 1982). Information before that time should be used with caution.

references

Bachmaier (1965a), Caillol (1954a), Heijerman (1993a), Hering (1930a, 1957a), le Monnier (2003a), Morris (1993a), Rheinheimer & Hassler (2010a), Robbins (1991a), Roques (1998a), Scherf (1964a), Viramo (1962a), Vorst (2010a), Wanat (1987a).