Coleotechnites ponderosae explained

Coleotechnites ponderosae, the ponderosa pine needleminer, is a moth of the family Gelechiidae. It is found in the United States, where it has been recorded from Colorado.[1] [2]

The length of the forewings is 3.9-4.8 mm. The forewings are mottled brown and white, with the scale bases white. The hindwings are yellowish gray.[3]

The larvae feed on Pinus ponderosa. Young larvae bore into young needles of their host plant. Larvae complete development in a single needle, pupating in midsummer.[4]

Notes and References

  1. http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/sci/bio/life/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gelechioidea/gelechiidae/gelechiinae/coleotechnites/ Coleotechnites at funet
  2. http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=1827.1 mothphotographersgroup
  3. http://images.peabody.yale.edu/lepsoc/jls/1970s/1978/1978-32%282%29118-Hodges.pdf Two New Pine Feeding species of Coleotechnites
  4. http://wiki.bugwood.org/HPIPM:Coleotechnites_ponderosae BugWood