Phyllonorycter klimeschiella (Deschka, 1970)
Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae

Arbutus canariensis, Teneriffa; from Klimesch (1979a)
mine
Initially a lower-surface epidermal corridor along the midrib. This makes place for a tentiform mine of 32-40 x 8-9 mm, with one Y-shaped fold. Frass mostly scattered throughout the mine, less often in a clump. The roof of the mine is completely eaten out, no green centre is remaining. Pupation within the mine, usually in its top part, in a cocoon of 5.5 x 1.5 mm, covered with frass. The mine is vacated through the underside.
hostplants
Ericaceae, monophagous
Arbutus canariensis.
Preference for young shrubs.
phenology
Occupied mines found in January – March.
distribution within Europe
Canary Islands.
pupa
Described by Deschka (1969a). Abd2-4 laterally with a pair of heavy, outwards pointing spines, like in Ph. muelleriella. Cremaster with two pairs of spines, the inner pair much shorter than the outer one.
references
Deschka (1969d, 1972b), Klimesch (1979a).
6.x.2009