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leaf roller caterpillar Geotagged,Phyllocnistis populiella,Summer,United States Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

leaf roller caterpillar

- No description given -

    comments (9)

  1. View Christine Young's profile
    Christine Young
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    Very cool photo -- it's neat seeing the contrast on the leaf where the larva skeletonized the surface vs. the untouched portion. Posted 4 years ago
    1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
      Ferdy Christant
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      Was going to say something similar, never seen it from this perspective. Posted 4 years ago
      1. View morpheme's profile
        morpheme
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        I peeled the leaf, which was rolled at the edge open.... I don't think the little worm was too thrilled about it.
        I'm not entirely sure the ID is right though... the infestation and damage to the tree was pretty extensive but looked a bit different. I haven't been able to find any other leaf miners that attack black cottonwoods though.         Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
        1. View Christine Young's profile
          Christine Young
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          I didn't even pay attention to the ID when looking at this photo because I was so taken in by the image. I think you may be right in wondering if the ID is correct. I think that Phyllocnistis make long, linear mines. In which case, this doesn't seem like it would fit that description. I would assume this larva is instead a surface skeletonizer/window feeder...So, an insect that eats only partially through the leaf, such as a leaf-roller or leaf-folder. Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
          1. View morpheme's profile
            morpheme
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            It must not be cottonwood specific. I didn't find any other moth larvae listed as known pests for the tree species. They did seem to be enjoying eating that particular tree though. Posted 4 years ago
            1. View Christine Young's profile
              Christine Young
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              Could it be a sawfly larva? Posted 4 years ago
              1. View Christine Young's profile
                Christine Young
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                Maybe you've heard of it, but if not, I highly recommend the book 'Tracks & Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates' by Charley Eiseman. It's my absolute favorite guide book. He also has an AMAZING leafminer pdf book.

                I think he's on BugGuide, so if you post this larva there, he may be able to help. He's also on iNat.                 Posted 4 years ago
                1. View morpheme's profile
                  morpheme
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                  It's always worth a shot. I posted the leaf and the worm. I'd bet more on leaf roller than sawfly - it was very tiny and didn't seem to be causing the same type of damage that sawflies do.

                  The little worm itself is pretty nondescript... just looks like a tiny green eating machine - a mouth and intestine, barely covered by some translucent skin :o                   Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
                  1. View Christine Young's profile
                    Christine Young
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                    Lol, perfect description: "tiny green eating machine" Posted 4 years ago

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By morpheme

All rights reserved
Uploaded Aug 20, 2021. Captured Aug 19, 2021 10:28 in 5100 NE 93rd St, Seattle, WA 98115, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,948 9,641 8
  • X-E2
  • f/13.0
  • 1/320s
  • ISO400
  • 80mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.

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