Philodoria molokaiensis

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Philodoria molokaiensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Gracillariidae
Genus:
Philodoria
Species:
P. molokaiensis
Binomial name
Philodoria molokaiensis
Swezey, 1928

Philodoria molokaiensis is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Herman Swezey in 1928. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

The larvae feed on Lysimachia hillebrandi. They likely mine the leaves of their host plant, similar to other species within the genus Philodoria. Leaf mining is a behavior where the larvae create tunnels inside the leaf tissue, feeding on the internal cells. This genus is characterized by its diverse larval host plants, with several species known to mine leaves from different plant orders, such as Asterales and Rosales. [1]

Philodoria is a genus of endemic Hawaiian leaf-mining moths, containing approximately 30 species. The genus is known for its complex taxonomy, and recent studies have provided new insights into the relationships and behaviors of these moths. For instance, recent taxonomic and molecular studies have revealed new species and provided detailed descriptions of their genital structures, immature stages, and biology. [1] These studies have helped to clarify the classification within the genus and highlight the specialized ecological roles of Philodoria species in Hawaiian ecosystems.

The genus Philodoria can be distinguished from other genera in the Gracillariidae subfamily Ornixolinae by specific morphological features, such as the presence of small frenular bristles along the costa in both sexes and a sclerotized, semicircular lamella antevaginalis in females. [1]

Conservation efforts are crucial for these moths as they depend on the survival of their native host plants, many of which are threatened or endangered. The Hawaiian Islands, while only a small fraction of the area of the United States, account for a significant portion of the nation’s documented plant and animal extinctions. [1] The preservation of these moths and their host plants is vital for maintaining the unique biodiversity of Hawaii.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gracillariidae</span> Family of moths

Gracillariidae is an important family of insects in the order Lepidoptera and the principal family of leaf miners that includes several economic, horticultural or recently invasive pest species such as the horse-chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella.

Philodoria hauicola, the hau leaf miner, is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Herman Swezey in 1910. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.

Philodoria hibiscella, the hibiscus leaf miner, is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Swezey in 1913. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Hawaii.

Philodoria marginestrigata, the ilima leaf miner, is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Nihoa, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Hawaii.

<i>Philodoria auromagnifica</i> Species of moth

Philodoria auromagnifica is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Molokai and Hawaii.

Philodoria basalis is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawaii.

Philodoria costalis is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Herman Swezey in 1934. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Philodoria floscula is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Molokai, Maui and Hawaii.

Philodoria wilkesiella is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Swezey in 1940. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Maui.

<i>Philodoria succedanea</i> Species of moth

Philodoria succedanea is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawaii.

<i>Philodoria splendida</i> Species of moth

Philodoria splendida is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii.

Philodoria neraudicola is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Swezey in 1920. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Hawaii.

Philodoria nigrella is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the island of Hawaii.

Philodoria pittosporella is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Herman Swezey in 1928. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Philodoria urerana is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Swezey in 1915. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Hawaii.

Philodoria micropetala is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Philodoria pipturiana is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Herman Swezey in 1923. It is endemic to the island of Hawaii.

Philodoria pipturicola is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It was first described by Otto Swezey in 1915. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Maui.

Caloptilia scutellariella is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It has been recommended that this species be further studied as its placement within the genus Caloptilia is in need of clarification. It is known from Ontario, Canada, and Ohio and Michigan in the United States.

<i>Acrocercops panacitorsens</i> Species of moth

Acrocercops panacitorsens is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It is known from New Zealand. In 2019 Robert Hoare proposed that this species be provisionally assigned to the genus Eumetriochroa. However as this proposal needs further investigation this species is also currently known as Eumetriochroa (s.l.) panacitorsens.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kobayashi, Shigeki; Johns, Chris A.; Lopez-Vaamonde, Carlos; Doorenweerd, Camiel; Kawakita, Atsushi; Ohshima, Issei; Lees, David C.; Hanabergh, Sofia; Kawahara, Akito Y. (2018-07-09). "Hawaiian Philodoria (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae, Ornixolinae) leaf mining moths on Myrsine (Primulaceae): two new species and biological data". ZooKeys (773): 109–141. Bibcode:2018ZooK..773..109K. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.773.21690 . ISSN   1313-2970. PMID   30026663.


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