Stigmella ogygia

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Stigmella ogygia
MA I677527 TePapa Stigmella-ogygia-Meyrick full.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nepticulidae
Genus: Stigmella
Species:
S. ogygia
Binomial name
Stigmella ogygia
(Meyrick, 1889)
Synonyms [1]
  • Nepticula ogygiaMeyrick, 1889
  • Nepticula tricentraMeyrick sensu Watt, 1921 (misidentification)
  • Nepticula erechtitusWatt, 1924
  • Nepticula erichtitus(Watt, 1924) (misspelling)
  • Stignella erectitus(Watt, 1924)

Stigmella ogygia is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. [2] This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1889. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. This species inhabits the margins of native forest where its larval plant host species are found. Eggs are laid singly on the upper side of the host plant leaf and the larva burrows directly through the bottom of the egg into the leaf-substance. The larvae mine the leaves of Senecio species including Senecio biserratus and Senecio minimus , as well as the leaves of Brachyglottis turneri. The larva emerges from its mine and pupates on the ground near of the larval host plant. Adults are day flying and have been recorded on the wing in March, July and from September to December. There are probably continuous generations throughout the year.

Contents

Taxonomy

Illustration by Hudson. Fig 28 MA I437912 TePapa Plate-LI-The-butterflies full (cropped).jpg
Illustration by Hudson.

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1889 and originally named Nepticula ogygia using a specimen collected in Dunedin in January. [3] Morris N. Watt went on to give detailed information about the description and life cycle of this moth in 1921. [4] In 1924 Watt, thinking he was describing a new species, named this species Nepticula erechtitus. [5] In 1928 George Hudson discussed that species under the name Nepticula ogygia and Nepticula erichtitus (a misspelling of the epithet erechtitus), and also illustrated a specimen under that latter name, in his book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. [6] In 1988 John S. Dugdale placed Nepticula ogygia and Nepticula erechtitus in the genus Stigmella. [7] In 1989 Hans Donner and Christopher Wilkinson agreed with this placement in their monograph on New Zealand Nepticulidae and also synonymised Stigmella erechtitus with Stigmella ogygia. [1] This placement was again confirmed in a 2016 revision of the global species placed in the family Nepticulidae. [8] The male holotype is held at the Natural History Museum, London. [7]

Description

Leaf mine of S. ogygia. Mine of Stigmella ogygia Trans. N.Z. Proc. Vol. 53 PlateXL (cropped).jpg
Leaf mine of S. ogygia.
Pupa of S. ogygia Pupa of N. ogygia.png
Pupa of S. ogygia

Egg

Watt described the eggs of this species as being bright blue when first laid and as it develops it turns a yellowish colour. They are oval, wafer-like, and flattened against the leaf where it is attached, rounded above. Around the outer margin of the egg the shell is slightly produced so as to form a flattened foot or fringe closely applied to the surface of the leaf. This fringe is a slight degree wider at the micropylar end of the egg. [4]

Leaf mine

The mine is a narrow, usually more or less tortuous gallery, constructed entirely under the upper cuticle of the leaf. The gallery is not a long with its average length ranging from 4 to 6 cm. Its course follows the coarser ribs of the leaf, these and the midrib forming a bar to progress across them. The frass is black and coarsely granular, abundant, and occupies an almost unbroken chain along the middle half or three-quarters of the gallery. However it is entirely absent in the terminal half-centimetre of the mine. [4]

Larva

When full-grown, the larva is very pale green, with a comparatively broad dark-green central line. It has a headpiece of pale amber-brown, darker round external margins, clypeal sutures, and mouth-parts. [4]

Cocoon

Watt described the cocoon as follows:

... somewhat ovate, mussel-shaped, ends rounded, anterior end slightly flattened and broader than its nadir. The outlet of the cocoon is guarded by a pair of flattened closely-applied lips extending across the whole front of the cocoon. Length averaging 3mm., width 2-2.5 mm., height 1-1.5 mm. Colour at first whitish, changing to light green, to dark brown ; occasionally the cocoons retain their green colour throughout. Interior of cocoon whitish. Texture thin but dense, forming a kind of skin, and surrounded outside, except where attached to external objects, by a small amount of light floccy silk. [4]

Pupa

Watt gave a detailed description of the pupa which included the following:

... the front is rounded and bluntly prominent ; laterally there is a small incisura between it and the base of the antenna; this latter occupies the lateral outline for only a very short distance. The upper half of the lateral outline is evenly curved convex and is formed by the forewing; the lower half is also curved convex but is interrupted by the depression between each segment, it is occupied by segments 3 to 10 inclusive; a small amount of the prominent spiracles appears on the lateral aspect of each segment, those on the eighth being especially prominent. The last abdominal segment is bluntly rounded and is slightly notched caudad ; the genital opening can be detected on its ventral surface. [4]

Adult

Meyrick described the adult male of this species as follows:

♂. 7 mm. Head and palpi pale whitish-ochreous. Antennae grey. Thorax and abdomen grey, sprinkled with ochreous-whitish. Legs dark grey, apex of joints whitish. Forewings lanceolate; pale grey, coarsely irrorated with black ; an obscure cloudy ochreous-whitish suffusion towards costa at 23; an obscurely-indicated pale spot in disc before middle : cilia whitish-ochreous-grey, with an obscure line of dark scales round apex. Hindwings and cilia light grey. [3]

Watt described a newly emerged specimen of this species as follows:

Head and palpi pale yellowish-ochreous, collar and basal joint of antenna whitish. Antennae pale grey, under 1, about 12. Thorax grey, densely irrorated with black. Legs and abdomen light grey. Forewings pale grey, thickly irrorated with black scales ; a small pale area on dorsum near tornus (this appears to be the most constant marking, and is quite conspicuous when the wings are folded at rest, when the two areas form a small saddle-shaped spot on the dorsum); in the female there is a second similar area on costa, and frequently the two may form an obscure light band across the wing; a very diffuse pale spot in disc at 14, frequently absent ; a series of four small black spots in middle of wing, one at 14, 13, 12, and the fourth less distinct near termen; these spots are definitely fixed as to position, but one or more or all may be absent, that at 12 being the most constant: cilia pale grey with bluish reflections, a distinct black cilial line. Hindwings dark grey; cilia dark grey. [4]

Watt points out that this species can be variable in appearance with some specimens having a reduced amount of dark irroration in the forewing and the moth appearing to the naked eye as light grey instead of black. [4] At rest the colouration of the adult moth is protective and ensures it is difficult to see. [4]

Distribution

S. ogygia is endemic to New Zealand. [9] [10] This species is found in both the North, South and Stewart Islands. [1]

Habitat and host species

Larval host plant Senecio minimus. Senecio minimus 454034449.jpg
Larval host plant Senecio minimus.

This species inhabits the margins of native forest where its larval plant host species are found. [4] The larvae feed on Senecio species, including Senecio biserratus and Senecio minimus , as well as Brachyglottis turneri . [11] [1] They mine the leaves of their host plant. [4]

Biology and behaviour

Eggs are laid singly on the upper side of the host plant leaf and the larva burrows directly through the bottom of the egg into the leaf-substance. [4] The larva mines dorsum uppermost and can be seen by holding the leaf up to the light. [4] The larva emerges from its mine through a semicircular cut in the roof of the gallery at its terminal part, and makes its way to the ground to pupate. [4] The larva pupates amongst dead herbage on the ground in the neighbourhood of the food-plant. [4] Adults have been recorded on the wing in March, July and from September to December. [1] Reared specimens hatched in January, April, May and August. [1] There are probably continuous generations throughout the year. [1] Adult specimens are known to fly in bright sunshine but with any dimming of this light the adult moth will seek cover in dead vegetation or in the bark of its host plants. [4] It rarely ventures far from its host plant. [4]

Related Research Articles

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<i>Stigmella microtheriella</i> Species of moth

Stigmella microtheriella, the Hazel leaf miner moth, is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. It is found in Asia, Europe and New Zealand. The larvae mine the leaves of hazel and hornbeams. It was described by the English entomologist, Henry Tibbats Stainton in 1854 from a type specimen found in England.

<i>Stigmella hemargyrella</i> Species of moth

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<i>Stigmella lapponica</i> Species of moth

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<i>Stigmella plagicolella</i> Species of moth

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<i>Stigmella aurella</i> Species of moth

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<i>Stigmella salicis</i> Species of moth

Stigmella salicis is a moth of the family Nepticulidae which is found in Europe. It was first described by the English entomologist, Henry Stainton in 1854. The type locality is from England.

<i>Ectoedemia intimella</i> Species of moth

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<i>Stigmella cypracma</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella cypracma is a species of moth of the family Nepticulidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North and South Islands. The larvae of this species are leaf miners and pupate within their mines. The larval host species is Brachyglottis repanda. Adult moths are on the wing in February and September to November. This species has two generations per year.

<i>Stigmella fulva</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella fulva is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North Island around Mount Taranaki, in the South Island and at Stewart Island. The species' eggs are laid singly but a considerable number may be deposited on the upper surface of one leaf. The incubation period can last from a week to a month depending on climatic conditions. The larvae mine the leaves of their host plants which are all in the genus Olearia. Larvae have been recorded in all months except January, February and June. The cocoon is brown and spun amongst the leaf litter under its host plant. The pupal period has been shown to range from 21 days to 79 days, again depending on climatic conditions. Adults have been observed on the wing January until March and August to December. They are active in the sun about their larval food plant.

<i>Stigmella kaimanua</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

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<i>Stigmella lucida</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella lucida, also known as the silver beech miner moth, is a species of moth of the family Nepticulidae. It was first described by Alfred Philpott. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. It's preferred habitat is native forest populated with its larval host species Nothofagus menziesii. Larvae of this species mine the leaves of its host plant. Adults are on the wing from September to January.

<i>Stigmella oriastra</i> Species of moth

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<i>Stigmella progama</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella progama is a species of moth in the family Nepticulidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has only been collected on Bold Peak in the Humboldt Mountains. Larvae are leaf miners although their larval host plant has yet to be determined. It is classified as "Data Deficient" by the Department of Conservation. S. progama has only been collected on Bold Peak, in the Humboldt Ranges, in Otago.

<i>Stigmella progonopis</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella progonopis is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1921. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North, South and Stewart Islands. This species inhabits montane to subalpine native forest and shrubland. Larvae are leaf miners and have been recorded from April to August. They feed on Dracophyllum traversii, Dracophyllum longifolium, Dracophyllum menziesii,Dracophyllum latifolium and Gaultheria crassa. Adults are on the wing in January and February and there is one generation per year.

<i>Stigmella propalaea</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella propalaea is a species of moth of the family Nepticulidae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1889. It is endemic to New Zealand and has only been observed at Arthur's Pass. The larvae of this species are leaf miners. Adults are on the wing in January. This species is classified as "Data Deficient" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Stigmella sophorae</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella sophorae is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. This species was first described by George Hudson in 1939. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. Larvae are leaf miners and feed on Sophora tetraptera and Sophora microphylla. Larvae have been observed from April to August. Adults have been seen on the wing in February and from August to December. There is one generation per year.

<i>Stigmella tricentra</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella tricentra is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1889. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits the margins of native forest as well as lowland shrublands where its larval host can be found. Larvae are leaf miners and feed on Helichrysum lanceolatum. Adults are on the wing in the wild in March and October. It is likely that this species has two generations in a year.

<i>Heterocrossa gonosemana</i> Species of moth

Heterocrossa gonosemana is a species of moth in the family Carposinidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the country. It inhabits native forest. Larvae feed on seeds and fruit of Griselinia lucida and possibly Griselinia littoralis. They can be extremely active when disturbed. This species overwinters as a pupa, enclosed in a cocoon, underneath its host plant. Adults are on the wing from November until February and can be found during the day resting on lichen covered tree trunks where they are well camouflaged. The adult is nocturnal and is attracted to light.

<i>Charixena iridoxa</i> Species of moth

Charixena iridoxa, also known as the Astelia zig-zag moth, is a moth classified sometimes in the family Glyphipterigidae and sometimes in Plutellidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1916. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North, South and Stewart Islands. The life cycle of this moth is at least two years in length with the larvae inhabiting the bulb of its host plants and mining the underside of its leaves. These mines have a distinctive zig-zag appearance and can be easily recognised when looked for on the host plants. The larvae pupate in a cocoon attached to the leaf and this stage takes place between February and August. The adult moths emerge in the early spring and are fast, day flying moths. Their larval hosts are plants in the genus Astelia and include Astelia fragrans and Astelia nervosa.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hans Donner; Christopher Wilkinson (28 April 1989). "Nepticulidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)". Fauna of New Zealand. 16. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research: 29–31. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.16. ISSN   0111-5383. OCLC   924829916. Wikidata   Q45079930.
  2. van Nieukerken, Erik; Doorenweerd, Camiel; Hoare, Robert; Davis, Donald (2016-10-31). "Revised classification and catalogue of global Nepticulidae and Opostegidae (Lepidoptera, Nepticuloidea)". ZooKeys (628): 65–246. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.628.9799 . ISSN   1313-2970. PMC   5126388 . PMID   27917038.
  3. 1 2 Edward Meyrick (May 1889). "Descriptions of New Zealand Micro-Lepidoptera". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 21: 187. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q56065895. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Morris N. Watt (1921). "The Leaf-mining Insects of New Zealand: Part II". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 53: 200–207. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q122940161. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  5. Morris Netterville Watt (1924). "The leaf-mining insects of New Zealand: Part 5 - The genus Nepticula (Lepidoptera), and the Agromyzidae (Diptera) continued, and Gracilaria selentis Meyr. (Lepidoptera)". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 55: 686–687. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q131603256.
  6. Hudson, G. V. (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, p. 355, 356, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286
  7. 1 2 Dugdale , J. S. (23 September 1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa". Fauna of New Zealand. 14. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research: 54. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.14. ISSN   0111-5383. Wikidata   Q45083134.
  8. van Nieukerken, Erik; Doorenweerd, Camiel; Hoare, Robert; Davis, Donald (2016-10-31). "Revised classification and catalogue of global Nepticulidae and Opostegidae (Lepidoptera, Nepticuloidea)". ZooKeys (628): 65–246. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.628.9799 . ISSN   1313-2970. PMC   5126388 . PMID   27917038.
  9. Gordon, Dennis P., ed. (2010). New Zealand inventory of biodiversity: Kingdom animalia: chaetognatha, ecdysozoa, ichnofossils. Vol. 2. p. 461. ISBN   978-1-877257-93-3. OCLC   973607714. OL   25288394M. Wikidata   Q45922947.
  10. "Stigmella ogygia (Meyrick, 1889)". www.nzor.org.nz. 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  11. "Stigmella ogygia (Meyrick, 1889)". plant-synz.landcareresearch.co.nz. 2024. Retrieved 2018-07-12.