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

Marmara new species 16 - on Impatiens (undescribed species) - No Common Name

Marmara new species 16 - on Impatiens
view caption 		Marmara new species 16 - on Impatiens
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Taxonomy
Family: GracillariidaeSubfamily: GracillariinaeTribe: [gracillariini]P3 Number: 0.00 MONA Number: 718.17
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 jewelweeds. The adults have not been reared.
Immatures and Development: The larvae produce elongated mines on the stems of Impatiens during the summer months. They eventually exit the mines and pupate in the cocoon that is decorated with patches of frothy bubbles (Eiseman, 2022). The adult have yet to be successfully reared.

Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: As of 2024, mines have been found in Iowa and North Carolina. Our only record is from a site in 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
Immature 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 appear to fly during the summer months at a time when local populations of jewelweeds are reaching 2-3 feet in height.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Populations are found where Impatiens are established, typically along wetland margins or other moist to wet habitats.
Larval Host Plants: As of 2024, the known hosts are Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) and Pale Jewelweed (I. pallida; Eiseman, 2022).
Observation Methods: We recommend searching the stems of mature jewelweeds for mines during the summer months. 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 16 - on Impatiens - No common name

Photos: 2

Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2022-10-06
Durham Co.
Comment: On Impatiens capensis; parasitoid emerged 10/13/2022, second one 10/30/2022, 		Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2022-10-06
Durham Co.
Comment: On Impatiens capensis; parasitoid emerged 10/13/2022, second one 10/30/2022,