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

Marmara new species 7 - on Ostrya (undescribed species) - No Common Name

Marmara new species 7 - on Ostrya
view caption 		Marmara new species 7 - on Ostrya
view caption
Taxonomy
Family: GracillariidaeSubfamily: GracillariinaeTribe: [gracillariini]P3 Number: 0.00 MONA Number: 718.08
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:                                                                                  
Adult Markings: This appears to be an undescribed species that feeds on American Hop-hornbeam. As of 2024, we are not aware on any adults being reared or described.
Immatures and Development: The larvae are stem miners on Ostrya virginiana and produce elongated, winding mines along young branches and stems.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: As of 2024 all of our very limited records are from the eastern Piedmont.
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
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Local populations are generally associated with mesic hardwood forests, particularly those with rich, circumneutral soils.
Larval Host Plants: American Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) is the only known host.
Observation Methods: We recommend searching for the stem mines on the younger stems of Ostrya. 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 7 - on Ostrya - No Common Name

Photos: 2

Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2022-04-30
Wake Co.
Comment: Unoccupied stem miner was on Ostrya. 		Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2017-07-24
Durham Co.
Comment: Unoccupied stem miner was on Ostrya virginiana.