Bucculatrix parthenica Bradley, 1990
Parthenia Leaf Miner
BUCCULATRICIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 30 July 2004)

This caterpillar was imported from its native Mexico and released in Queensland to control the pest :

  • Parthenium Weed ( Parthenium hysterophorus, ASTERACEAE ).

    The caterpillar eats a leaf from inside, leaving the upper and lower skin intact, making a leaf-mine.

    It pupates in a white cocoon under a leaf or stem.

    The adult moth is white and brown with a wingspan of about 5 mm.

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