Stem miner (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Menispermum

Record Details

Record no.:	0328
Feeding guild:	Stem miner
Taxonomy:	Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: cf. Marmara sp.
Stages observed:	trace, larva
Hosts in Menispermum:	M. canadense (moonseed)

A stem mine with a live and active larva and a second mine with a dead larva were found at the end of July, and evacuated stem mines were located in October. The mines at least sometimes contain a central frass line. The larva appears to belong to the genus Marmara (Gracillariidae).

Featured Images

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Image #: 328-01 Larva in stem mine. (Photo date: July 31, 2018)

Image #: 328-02 Head of larva in stem mine.

Image #: 328-03 Inhabited stem mine, with larva visible in approximate lateral view to the left of center.

Image #: 328-04 Inhabited stem mine, with larva in approximate lateral view.

Image #: 328-05 Deceased larva (brown spot) at terminus of stem mine. (Photo date: July 31, 2018)

Image #: 328-06 Section of stem mine showing clear central frass line. (Photo date: July 31, 2018)

Image #: 328-07 Evacuated stem mine. (Photo date: October 17, 2017)

Specimen Data for Images

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Coll. 07/31/18, photos same day (01-04); coll. 07/30/18, photos on 07/31/18 (05-06); coll. 10/05/17, photo taken on 10/17/17 (07). All specimens above from Iowa, USA.

Page created: March 10, 2026. Last update: none