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 larve are grey, female ones yellowish (Hering, 1957a).
synonyms
Gelechia, Gnorimoschema, 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
Elsner, Huemer & Tokár (1999a), Hering (1957a), E Hofmann (1867a), (Huemer & Karsholt, 2010a), Kaitila (1996a), Klimesch (1951b, 1958a), Skala (1950a), Thomann (1956a).