Stem miner (Lepidoptera: Opostegidae) in Agastache [0015]
| Order | Lepidoptera |
|---|---|
| Family | Opostegidae[M,A] |
| Lower taxon | cf. Pseudopostega |
| No. spp. involved | One confirmed [1-C] |
| Feeding mode | Stem miner |
| Host plant | Yellow giant hyssop, Agastache nepetoides (Lamiaceae) |
Affected stems show long narrow linear mines up and down their length, as well as localized areas in the upper stems that are more intensively mined. There is a bulging, gall-like distortion to the stem tissue in the more intensively mined areas in the upper stem. Evidence suggests that larvae finish their development in these distorted areas. Pupation is off the plant in a rusty-colored cocoon. Adults were reared in mid-August from larvae collected in mid-July.
IMG#: 0015-01
Upper part of host plant, with tissue of the main stem and the stem of a lateral branch bulging or otherwise distorted as a result of larval tunneling. (Photo date: July 15, 2021)
IMG#: 0015-10
Main stem and stem of lateral branch affected by the miner.
IMG#: 0015-11
Bulging area of main stem affected by the miner.
IMG#: 0015-12
Detail, bulging stem.
IMG#: 0015-09
Long, narrow linear mines on the main stem of an affected plant.
IMG#: 0015-04
Cocoon, shown after adult's emergence, with pupal exuviae protruding.
IMG#: 0015-05
Cocoon with pupal exuviae protruding after adult's emergence.
IMG#: 0015-06
Adult, dorsal.
IMG#: 0015-07
Adult, lateral.
IMG#: 0015-08
Adult, ventral.
Specimen data for images
Coll. 07/15/21, photos of mined stem same day (01, 10-12, 09), adults em. 08/11/21, photos of adult and pupal exuviae on 08/12/21-08/13/21 (04-08).
All specimens above from the Upper Midwest, USA.
References
[none]
Page created 11/13/23. Last update: 07/06/24