Scrobipalpopsis petasitis (Pfaffenzeller, 1867)

mine

Large, full depth, inflated, brownish blotch, expanding from the leaf margin, generally containing several (3-10) larvae. According to Huemer & Karsholt (2010a) the larva hibernates either in the mine or between spun parts of the leaf, and pupation takes place in spring.

host plants

Asteraceae, monophagous

Petasites albus, frigidus, paradoxus.

phenology

Larvae in September, October (Hering, 1957a, Alps), July, August (Kaitila, 1996a, Finland). In northern Europe the larva lives for two years (Huemer & Karsholt, 2010a).

distribution within Europe

Mountains of Scandinavia and Romania, and the Alps.

larva

Male larvae are grey, female ones yellowish (Hering, 1957a).

synonyms

Gelechia, Gnorimoschema, Ptycerata, petasitis.

notes

Kaitila (1996a) counted in young mines on average 5-10 larvae, but in old mines only one, full fed larva; he supposes cannibalism.

references

Aarvik, Karsholt, Larsen & Schnack (1988a), Elsner, Huemer & Tokár (1999a), Hering (1957a), E Hofmann (1867a), (Huemer & Karsholt, 2010a), Kaitila (1996a), Klimesch (1951b, 1958a), Skala (1950a), Thomann (1956a).