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

Marmara new species 15 - on Ilex spp. (undescribed species) - No Common Name

Marmara new species 15 - on Ilex spp.
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Taxonomy
Family: GracillariidaeSubfamily: GracillariinaeTribe: [gracillariini]P3 Number: 0.00 MONA Number: 718.16
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 apparently undescribed species mines the stems of our native hollies. The adults have not been reared as of 2024.
Immatures and Development: The larvae mine the stems of hollies and produce an elongated, grayish mine that often doubles-back on itself.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: As of 2024, this holly-miner has been found in North Carolina, Connecticut and Rhode Island (Eiseman, 2022). As of 2024, we have only two records - one from the eastern Piedmont and a second from the western Coastal Plain.
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:
Larval Host Plants: As of 2024 the known hosts include our native Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) and Common Winterberry (I. verticillata; Eiseman, 2022). The mines have also been observed in North Carolina on Oriental Holly (I. purpurea), which is an ornamental holly from southeastern Asia and Japan.
Observation Methods: We recommend searching for the stem mines on native hollies. 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 15 - on Ilex spp. - No Common Name

Photos: 1

Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2023-03-31
Wake Co.
Comment: Unoccupied stem mine on Ilex decidua.