Phyllonorycter deserticola

Phyllonorycter deserticola is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It is found in restricted, mostly arid habitats over a broad portion of the south-western United States and northern Mexico from southern Utah to Durango and west to northern California.

Phyllonorycter deserticola
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Gracillariidae
Genus: Phyllonorycter
Species:
P. deserticola
Binomial name
Phyllonorycter deserticola
Davis & Deschka, 2001[1]

The length of the forewings is 2.9-3.8 mm. Adults are on wing from late July to early October in two generations, with the second generation overwintering.

The larvae feed on Populus species, including Populus fremontii, Populus deltoides wislizeni, Populus x parryi (Populus freemontii x Populus trichocarpa). They mine the leaves of their host plant.

Etymology edit

The specific name is derived from the Latin desertum (a waste place) and cola (dwelling in), in reference to the general habitat of this species.

References edit