Parornix geminatella

(Packard, 1869)

Sort #: 252 | P3 #: 330199 | MPG #: 673
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Larval feeding type: Forms a tentiform mine on the underside (occasionally upperside), then vacates to pupate in a reddish silken cocoon
Larval substrate: Prunus serotina* (Black Cherry)
Phenology: Adult: 7/07 to 9/14 (4 records)

Comment: Described by Packard from larvae found hanging from apple and pear trees and adults which flew indoors attracted to light. However, his description of the mines and larvae he found on the trees clearly show that they do not belong to the Parornix he described. Chambers described his Ornix prunivorella from adults reared from tentiform mines on wild cherry and apple (presumably mainly cherry, hence the name). Dietz accepted prunivorella as the species feeding on wild cherry, and placed geminatella only tentatively as a synonym due to the confusion of Packard's original description. However, recent examination of the type of geminatella shows it to be the species we know from wild cherry. Apple as a hostplant needs confirmation.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2006
Last Year Reported: 2020

Distribution by County: Worcester, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket
Number of Records: 32