« Back

Phyllocnistis xenia

Leafminer Phyllocnistis xenia

Description

Phyllocnistis xenia is a small moth in the Gracillariidae family with a wingspan of 6–7 mm. This species is found across certain parts of Europe, including Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania, though it is absent from Italian islands. P. xenia larvae are monophagous and primarily mine the leaves of Populus species, specifically Populus alba (white poplar), Populus x canescens, and Populus tremula (aspen). The larvae form long, mines, creating a distinct serpentine pattern on the upper leaf surface. Frass is laid in a central line, though less prominent than in similar species Phyllocnistis labyrinthella. Pupation occurs along the leaf margin where the mine widens slightly, and the leaf edge may curl.

Symptom

Leaves display long, dense, looping mines with a faint central frass line, affecting mainly Populus alba and Populus tremula leaves.

Identification of feeding patterns caused by Phyllocnistis unipunctella, Phyllocnistis xenia, and Phyllocnistis labyrinthella can be performed by examining the shape of the mines, their location on the leaf, and the host plants:

1. Phyllocnistis unipunctella (syn. Phyllocnistis suffusella):
• Host Trees: Exclusively poplars, especially Populus balsamifera, Populus × canadensis, Populus nigra, and various other poplar species.
• Mine Location: Prefers the upper leaf surface but may also appear on the underside.
• Mine Characteristics: Creates long, winding mines resembling a "snail's trail." Frass is located in a central line, and a slightly expanded area appears at the end of the mine where pupation occurs. The leaf edge may curl slightly.
2. Phyllocnistis xenia:
• Host Trees: Prefers Populus alba (white poplar) and Populus tremula. Does not occur on other poplar species.
• Mine Location: Almost always on the underside of the leaf.
• Mine Characteristics: Mines are long and narrow, with a slightly less winding shape than P. unipunctella. They are also narrower. Frass is located in the center of the mine but is less prominent. The leaf edge may curl slightly.
3. Phyllocnistis labyrinthella:
• Host Trees: Prefers Populus alba (white poplar) and Populus tremula. Does not occur on other poplar species.
• Mine Location: Mines form on both sides of the leaf.
• Mine Characteristics: Feeding pattern is highly winding, often appearing labyrinth-like, and is broader than mines of other Phyllocnistis species. Frass is centrally located and very prominent. The leaf edge may curl slightly.

Tree Species: Poplar

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Last observations

There are a total of 1 observations of the species in the system