Argyresthia illuminatella Zeller, 1839

glossy argent

on Larix

gall

De larva makes a wide cavity in a short lateral shoot (“brachyblast”), sometimes even down to into the main shoot. The needles on the short shoot die off, and no new needles are formed. Pupation and hibernation in the gall.

host plants

Pinaceae, monophagous

Larix decidua.

The many references in the literature to Abies alba probably derive all from confusion with Argyresthia kulfani. See Bengtsson & Johansson (2012a) or Lepiforum.

notes

Larva and pupa are described in detail by Baraniak ao; see also “Argyresthia spec.” in Patočka (1998a).

synonyms

Blastotere illuminatella; Argyresthia tatrica Baraniak, Kulfan & Patočka, 2003; ? A. uralensis Baraniak & Junnilainen. 2011.

references

Agassiz (1996a), Baran (2009a), Baraniak, Kulfan & Patočka (2003a), Bengtsson & Johansson (2012a), Friese (1969a), Konečná (2013a), Patočka (1998a), Patočka & Turcáni (2005a), Schütze (1917a).