Antispilina ludwigi Hering, 1941

on Bistorta

Bistorta officinalis, België, prov. Luik, Büllingen, Vallée de la Holzwarche 19.viii.2017 © Carina Van Steenwinkel: young mines

same mines, lighted from behind

completed mine, with excision

mine

The mine begins at a brown oviposition scar (Heliozelidae do have an ovipositor), mostly not far removed from the midrib. From this point a full depth blotch develops in all directions. Mostly there are several in a leaf, often coalescing. In the centre of the individual mines, around the oviposition scar, a strong accumulation of blackish green granular frass. Here eventually a round or oval excision is made, in which the larva drops to the ground, then pupates.

host plants

Polygonaceae, narrowly monophagous

Bistorta officinalis.

phenology

Larvae in July.

distribution within Europe

Germany, Poland, Czechia (Fauna Europaea, 2010).

larva

Green, without thoracic feet or prolegs.

pupa

See Patočka & Turčáni (2005a).

notes

Exceptionally rare.

references

Borkowski (2003a), Buhr (1964a), Hering (1941a, 1957a), Liška ao (2000a), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a), Skala (1949a).