Pristerognatha fuligana (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
on Impatiens
Impatiens noli-tangere, Belgium, prov. East Flanders, Brakel, het Burreken, 26.x.2016 © Ruben Meert
opened gall
pop
13.ix.2017
opened gall with larva
gall
The larva lives in a low part of the hollow stem, causing a clear swelling. The larva closes the space above by making out of silk and frass a few septums. Pupation in the stem.
host plants
Balsaminaceae, monophagous
Impatiens glandulifera, noli-tangere.
distribution within Europe
larva, pop
Pictures on Lepiforum; also Patočka & Turčáni, Swatschek.
synonyms
Endothenia, Olethreutes, fuligana.
notes
It is not quite clear whether the swellings of the stems really are caused by the larvae. According to some botanical sources they are characteristic for older plants. In I. glandulifera, a amuch coarser plant with a thicker stem, the larva doesn’t cause swellings (observation Ruben Meert).
references
Baran (2009a), Burkhart & Nentwig (2008a), Disqué (1905a), Huisman & Koster (1994a, 2000a), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a), Meert & Nossent (2019a), Roweck & Savenkov (2010a), Schütze (1991a), Swatschek (1958a), Wegner (2015a), Wieser (2004a).