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

Marmara new species 27 - on Senna (undescribed species) - No Common Name

Marmara new species 27 - on Senna
view caption 		Marmara new species 27 - on Senna
view caption 		Marmara new species 27 - on Senna
view caption 		Marmara new species 27 - on Senna
view caption
Taxonomy
Family: GracillariidaeSubfamily: GracillariinaeTribe: [gracillariini]P3 Number: 0.00 MONA Number: 718.28
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 specialized on species of Senna. Tracy Feldman has reared one adult, but it has yet to be described in detail.
Immatures and Development: The larvae mine the stems of Senna and produce elongated, whitish mines that often double-back on themselves. After finishing feeding, the final instar exits the mine and spins a thin-walled cocoon that has patches of frothy bubbles on the surface. The young larvae are dull white, while the older larvae develop red-banding prior to exiting the mine and pupating. The adults emerge about two weeks or so after the larva pupates.
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. We have a single record from North Carolina as of 2024, and there is another from Oklahoma that appears to be this species (Eiseman, 2022).
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: Our one adult record as of 2024 is from August.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Local populations are associated with our native Senna species. These can be found in a variety of habitats where there are opening or edges that provide a moderate amount of sunlight. Examples include openings in bottomland forests, woodland borders and glades.
Larval Host Plants: This species appears to specialize on native species on Senna, including Maryland Senna (S. marilandica).
Observation Methods: We recommend searching for the stem mines on our native Senna species 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 27 - on Senna - No common name

Photos: 4

Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2024-08-07
Wake Co.
Comment: Occupied mine was on Senna on August 7; adult emerged August 24; another on August 28.		Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2024-08-07
Wake Co.
Comment: Occupied mine was on Senna on August 7; adult emerged August 24; another on August 28.
Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2024-08-07
Wake Co.
Comment: Occupied mine was on Senna on August 7; adult emerged August 24; another on August 28.		Recorded by: Tracy Feldman on 2024-08-07
Wake Co.
Comment: Occupied mine was on Senna on August 7; adult emerged August 24; another on August 28.