Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1310600

Blackberry Leafminer
Coptotriche aenea

Observation date: August 29, 2021
Submitted by: tirvine2020
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Found as pupa in leaf mine on Rubus ?allegheniensis on 8/29. The mine seemed to be an upper surface linear blotch mine that was entirely free of frass. Multiple other completed mines of this type were found (including some with pupae that have not eclosed as of this observation’s upload date 9/5) nearby and all seemed to start at or near the midrib and grow towards the leaf margin and/or followed a major vein in the leaf. The pupal chamber is visible in the leaf mine photos as the wrinkled area, where silk was spun inside the mine that caused the epidermis to contract around the cocoon. The pupal exuvia was thrust partially through the upper epidermis when the adult eclosed on 9/5.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jwileyrains
Verified date: September 06, 2021
Coordinator notes: An interesting leaf miner - thanks.
Checklist region(s): United States, Rhode Island, Bristol County