Elachista juliensis Frey, 1870

mine

The mine begins as a narrow corridor following the midrib that, gradually widening, ascends towards the leaf tip, then turns and descends; sometimes the corridor is descending from its start on. The final mine is 8.5 – 10.5 cm long. Along the leaf margin strips of uneaten parenchyma remain. Most frass is deposited in the oldest, upper, part of the mine. Pupation external, often at the base of the mined leaf, deep in the tussock.

host plants

Cyperaceae, narrowly monophagous

Carex humilis.

Earlier authors (Szőcs, 1978a; Parenti & Varalda, 1994a) cite a larger number of species: C. digitata, ericetorum, humilis, pilosa, sempervirens. However, in their revision Kaila & Varalda (2003a) conclude that juliensis lives exclusively on C. humilis. Maček (199a) mentions C. pendula; this must be a mistake.

phenology

Larva from May till early June (Steuer, 1978a).

BENELUX

Not known from the Benelux countries (Fauna Europaea, 2010).

distribution within Europe

From Germany to Italy and from Switzerland to Slovakia and Hungary (Fauna Europaea, 2010).

larva

Described by Steuer (1978a). The larva is wax-coloured, also most of the prothoracic and anal shield. Only the anterior half of the prothoracic shield is dark brown.

pupa

Described by Patočka (1999a), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a).

synonyms

Biselachista juliensis; Elachista freyi Staudinger, 1870.

notes

See Kaila & Varalda (2003a) for the systematics of the difficult E. juliensis species group.

references

Baldizzone (2004a), Buhl ao (1991a), Buszko (1990a), Hering (1957a), Huemer (2012a), Kaila & Varalda (2003a), Klimesch (1950c), Laštůvka, Laštůvka, Liška ao (1992a), Maček (1999a), Nel (2003a), Parenti & Pizzolato (2015a), Parenti & Varalda (1994a), Patočka (1999a), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a), Petry (1923a), Pröse (1981a, 1995a), Réal (1990a), Schütze (1931a), Steuer (1978a).