Trifurcula subnitidella

Trifurcula subnitidella is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. It is widespread in Europe southward to the northern border of the Sahara in Tunisia and eastward to the Crimea and Asia minor.

Trifurcula subnitidella
Trifurcula subnitidella genitalia preparation
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nepticulidae
Genus: Trifurcula
Species:
T. subnitidella
Binomial name
Trifurcula subnitidella
(Duponchel, 1843)
Synonyms
  • Elachista subnitidella Duponchel, [1843]
  • Trifurcula griseella Wolff, 1957
  • Nepticula subnitidella

The wingspan is 4.2-5.8 mm for males and 4.4-5.4 mm for females. Larvae have been found in September and October and adults are on wing from May (March in Tunisia) to early September.

The larvae feed on Lotus corniculatus and possibly other Lotus species. They mine the bark of their host plant. The frass is brown and deposited in a central line. Pupation takes place outside of the mine.

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