Parornix quadripunctella

(Clemens, 1861)

Sort #: 257.1 | P3 #: 330207 | MPG #: 681
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Larval feeding type: Forms a tentiform leaf-mine on the underside, then feeds in a leaf edge folded downwards; pupates in a silken cocoon away from the feeding area
Larval substrate: Malus sieboldii* (Toringo Crab Apple)

Comment: Described by Clemens from larvae forming mines and leaf-folds on Serviceberry. The adults were not reared, therefore no type specimen ever existed. Dietz, who found larvae he believed to be this species on Aronia arbutifolia and apple, reared the adult and described it. He also described a variety he called var. albifaciella. The holotype of albifaciella agrees with the species reared from Malus in Massachusetts. So far, all leaf-folding larvae on Serviceberry in Massachusetts have been P. dubitella, so it is possible that the name 'quadripunctella' refers to that species and that 'albifaciella' would be the correct name.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Restricted distribution, rare
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2017
Last Year Reported: 2018

Distribution by County: Plymouth
Number of Records: 3