Parornix kalmiella
(Dietz, 1907)
Sort #: 254 | P3 #: 330202 | MPG #: 676
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Larval feeding type: Forms a tentiform leaf-mine on the underside, then feeds in a folded leaf edge; pupates in a silken cocoon away from the feeding area
Larval substrate: Kalmia angustifolia* (Sheep Laurel)
Phenology: Adult: 5/29 and 7/23 (2 records)
Comment: The adult is similar to P. preciosella, but easily distinguished by the six instead of five white costal dashes.
Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, uncommon
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2014
Last Year Reported: 2023
Distribution by County: Hampshire, Franklin, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket
Number of Records: 12
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Adult male reared from Kalmia angustifolia (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Larva on Kalmia angustifolia (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Larva on Kalmia angustifolia (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Young mine on Kalmia angustifolia (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Larval leaf-fold in tip of Kalmia angustifolia leaf (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Pupal cocoon at edge of leaf-fold in tip of Kalmia angustifolia leaf (Photo: ©S. Whitebread)