Caloptilia undetermined
Year: 2024
Type: other
Abstract: 3. Caloptilia sp. (Figs 1, 61) Material examined. 1 ex, abdomen missing, South Africa, Limpopo, Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, mn 01/ii/2013, pup 03/ii/2013, em 12/ii/2013, Cryptocarya transvaalensis, (rearing M129) A. & I. Sharp leg., CLV7561. Description. The specimen examined was in poor condition. For a better understanding of its general appearance refer to figure 1. Forewing length 5 mm. Head brown, face dotted with ochre. Labial palpi long, slender, upturned, dark brown, with second segment almost completely white. Forewing ochre yellow with violet reflections, irregularly spotted with small dark dots that sometimes create vertical sequences; apex with two thin spots opposed almost to form a circle. Unfortunately, the abdomen is missing. Biology. Larva on Cryptocarya transvaalensis Burtt Davy (Lauraceae) (Fig. 61). This plant is commonly found in South Africa (Limpopo, Mpulamanga) and eSwatini [Swaziland] (Hassler 2022). The bark of this plant is used for medicinal purposes. This is the first species of Gracillariidae to be reported on this particular plant. Distribution. South Africa (Limpopo). DNA barcodes. DNA amplification of the specimen failed (SOURE 005-19). Remarks. No species of Gracillariidae that feed on Lauraceae are known to exist in the Afrotropical Region, with the exception of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 (De Prins & De Prins 2011–2023b). However, the description of this species is still pending until more specimens are found.
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6968030438
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