Life history and systematics of Albusambia elaphoglossumae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): a new genus and species of musotimine with leaf-mining biology from Costa Rica

Rev Biol Trop. 2005 Sep-Dec;53(3-4):487-501. doi: 10.15517/rbt.v53i3-4.14617.

Abstract

Albusambia elaphoglossumae Solis & Davis, a new genus and species, is described. It was discovered mining the fronds of the fern Elaphoglossum conspersum in Costa Rica (San José and Cartago Provinces, at elevations of 2300-3100 m). The type series was obtained by rearing of the immature stages in laboratory. The adult is defined by unique genital characters, and the pupa with a medial depression on the vertex and with two anterolateral horn-like structures on the prothorax. The larva is a gregarious leaf miner with its body flattened dorsoventrally and head prognathous; morphological adaptations to its leaf-mining habit are new to the Musotiminae. Fern-feeding musotimines are important to the discovery of new biological control agents for invasive ferns.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Costa Rica
  • Female
  • Ferns / parasitology
  • Lepidoptera / anatomy & histology
  • Lepidoptera / classification*
  • Lepidoptera / growth & development*
  • Life Cycle Stages / physiology*
  • Male
  • Seasons