Metriochroa latifoliella (Millière, 1886)

Metriochroa latifoliella: vacated mine on Olea europaea

Olea europaea, France, Corsica, Monticello, Parc de Saleccia © Stéphane Claerebout

Metriochroa latifoliella: vacated mine on Olea europea

same mine lighted from behind

Metriochroa latifoliella: mine on Olea europaea

Olea europaea, Crete, Aghia Galini © Paul Fontaine

mine

Corridor, that makes a loop through the entire leaf. The corridor is very narrow where it begins, becoming quite wide in the end. Copious amounts of frass; only the margins remain free of frass and are transparant. Pupation in a silken cocoon at the end of the mine.

host plants

Oleaceae, oligophagous

Olea europaea; Phillyrea agustifolia, latifolia.

According to Patocka (2001b), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a) also onIlex aquifolium.

phenology

Three generations; hibernation in the larval stage.

distribution within Europe

Mediterranean region (Fauna Europaea, 2009).

larva

Beautifully illustrated by Grandi (1931a, 1933a).

pupa

Described by Patočka (2001b), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a).

synonyms

Parectopa latifoliella.

notes

Contrary to Prays oleae not a serious pest.

references

Amsel & Hering (1933a), Grandi (1931a, 1933a), Hering (1932e, 1934c, 1957a), Maček (1999a), Patočka (2001b), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a), Utech (1962a), Vegliante & Zilli (2007a).