« Back

Antispila metallella

Leaf miner Antispila metallella

Description

Antispila metallella is a heliozelid leaf-miner of dogwoods (Cornus sanguinea, C. mas; occasionally C. alba). Adults are day-flying in May and the species has one generation per year; larvae mine leaves in mid-summer. The mine usually starts as a short, narrow corridor from the leaf margin, then expands into a full-depth blotch. When mature, the larva cuts an oval case from the blotch for pupation. The species is widespread across Europe. Infestation intensity is usually not strong, but when numerous, repeated mining reduces the assimilation area and can worsen the overall vitality and ornamental appearance of shrubs and young trees.

Symptom

Antispila metallella – larvae mine dogwoods (Cornus sanguinea, C. mas). The mine usually starts as a narrow initial corridor from the leaf margin and then expands into a flat blotch; the larva cuts an oval “shield” from the blotch for pupation.

Antispila treitschkiella = petryi  – chiefly on Cornus sanguinea. The mine typically does not begin with a corridor but starts directly as a blotch; it likewise ends with a cut-out “shield.”

Tree Species: Dogwoods

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes