Phyllonorycter sp.

(Figs. 74–79)

Leaf mine. Larvae ultimately form underside tentiform mines typical of Phyllonorycter, but some mines are initiated on the upper surface before switching to the lower surface, while others apparently are initiated on the lower surface (Figs. 74–77).

Host. Caprifoliaceae: Lonicera subspicata Hook. & Arn. var. denudata Rehder.

Distribution. USA: CA.

Comments. CSE reared three specimens of this undetermined species from leaf mines on Lonicera subspicata var. denudata collected in California ( Barrel Spring, San Diego Co.) on 12 March 2017. The adults (Figs. 78–79) emerged from 9 to 24 April, with the pupa being thrust through the upper epidermis in at least two of the three mines .

These California moths may represent an undescribed species, but we are unable to make a definite decision about this until the Caprifoliaceae-feeding Phyllonorycter species can be revised.