Moths of North Carolina
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View PDFGracillariidae Members:
Marmara Members:
3 NC Records

Marmara new species 5 - on Borrichia (undescribed species) - No Common Name

Marmara new species 5 - on BorrichiaMarmara new species 5 - on BorrichiaMarmara new species 5 - on Borrichia
Taxonomy
Family: GracillariidaeSubfamily: GracillariinaeTribe: [gracillariini]P3 Number: 0.00 MONA Number: 718.06
Comments: The genus Marmara contains 19 described species from North America and numerous undescribed species. Most species are monophagous, and the mines have been found on over 80 North American plant genera that belong to 40 families (Eiseman et al., 2017). Given the small number of described species relative to the large number of hosts, there appear to be dozens of undescribed species in the US. Many of the species are difficult to rear and are only known from leaf or stem mines. North Carolina appears to have numerous undescribed species based on host preferences and mine characteristics, and Tracy Feldman has spearheaded efforts to document these within the state. We have included Marmara that we believe are probably undescribed species (ca. 30) and have listed these by their host plants. We encourage individuals to submit any leaf or stem mines that they find based on the plant hosts in order to better document the distribution and relative abundance of these forms in North Carolina.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: Technical Description, Immature Stages: Eiseman (2022)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This appears to be an undescribed species that feeds on Sea Ox-eye (Borrichia frutescens). As of 2024, we are unaware on any adults being reared and all records are based on leaf mines.
Immatures and Development: The larva initial feeds a leaf of Sea Ox-eye and produces along, narrow whitish mine that cross-crosses itself. The mine only increases slightly in width as the larva grows and eventually enters the petiole and stem. The larva presumably overwinters in the stem, with the adult emerging the following year.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: The range is poorly documented, with scattered records of the mines from North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida (Eiseman, 2022). As of 2024 all of our records are from costal habitats.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge
Flight Comments: The adults have not been collected, but mines have been found as early as April.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Local populations are associated with salt and strongly brackish-water marshes where the host plant can be found growing along the margins.
Larval Host Plants: The only known host is Sea Ox-eye (Borrichia frutescens).
Observation Methods: We recommend search the leaves of the host plant along the margins of salt and brackish marshes along the coast. The adults should be reared, photographed and collected whenever possible.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR[SU]
State Protection:
Comments:

 Photo Gallery for Marmara new species 5 - on Borrichia - No Common Name

Photos: 3

Recorded by: R. Newman on 2024-11-07
Carteret Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Erich Hofmann and Kayla Weinfurther on 2023-10-21
New Hanover Co.
Comment: Found on Sea Ox-eye (Borrichia frutescens).
Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2022-06-19
Brunswick Co.
Comment: Unoccupied. mine was on Borrichia frutescens.