First Account of the Larval Biology of Coleotechnites nigra (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), with New Host and Distribution Records
Abstract: Coleotechnites nigra (Busck), revised status (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is the correct name for the species formerly known as C. nigritus Hodges. Until now, nothing has been published about this species beyond the fact that the holotype was accidentally reared from Hypericum (Hypericaceae) in the vicinity of Washington, DC, with unknown larval habits. This species has since been reared from leaf-mining larvae on H. cruxandreae (L.) Crantz, H. hypericoides, and H. prolificum L. in Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. We redescribe the species based on this additional material and discuss its biology, illustrating the variation in adult coloration, as well as the male and female genitalia, larva, and leaf mines. Additional tentative distribution records are given based on DNA barcoding data and photographed leaf mines. Parasitoids of C. nigra include Chelonus (Microchelonus) sp. (Braconidae) and Haltichella sp. (Chalcididae). In addition to correcting the name of this species, we clarify the status of the homonym Recurvaria piceaella var. nigra Kearfott.
Charles S. Eiseman, Tracy S. Feldman, and Mark A. Metz "First Account of the Larval Biology of Coleotechnites nigra (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), with New Host and Distribution Records," Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 127(1), 9-20, (16 July 2025). https://doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797.127.1.9