Parornix obliterella

(Dietz, 1907)

Sort #: 255 | P3 #: 330204 | MPG #: 678
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Larval feeding type: Forms a tentiform leaf-mine on the underside, then feeds in a leaf edge folded upwards; pupates in a silken cocoon away from the feeding area.
Larval substrate: Betula lenta* (Cherry Birch, Black Birch),
Phenology: Adult: 6/04 to 8/26 (5 records)

Comment: Distinguished by the large gap between the fourth and fifth white costal dashes (counted from the apex). This species is very close to P. peregrinaella, but in that species the gap between the fourth and fifth dashes is only rarely as wide as in obliterella (sometimes on just one wing).

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, fairly common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2013
Last Year Reported: 2020

Distribution by County: Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable
Number of Records: 19