Leucoptera spartifoliella

Leucoptera spartifoliella is a species of moth in family Lyonetiidae known by the common name Scotch broom twig miner. It is used as an agent of biological pest control against the noxious weed known as Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius).[1][2]

Pupa

Leucoptera spartifoliella
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Lyonetiidae
Genus:
Leucoptera
Species:
L. spartifoliella
Binomial name
Leucoptera spartifoliella
(Hübner, 1813)
Synonyms
  • Tinea spartifoliella Hübner, 1813
  • Tinea punctaurella Haworth, 1828
  • Leucoptera cytisanthi Deschka, 1972

The adult is a tiny white moth about four millimeters long. It lays eggs one at a time on the stem of Scotch broom, its host plant. The larva burrows throughout the epidermis of the stem for nearly a year before it pupates, causing damage to the plant.[1]

The moth was introduced to California for the purpose of controlling Scotch broom in 1960. It is now established in parts of the western United States. It was introduced to Australia in 1990. It may or may not be a worthwhile biocontrol agent; while the insect does do considerable damage to the plants, they can often recover. Much of the plant deaths occur when insect damage makes the plant susceptible to disease. Research is now focused on other agents of biocontrol for Scotch broom.[1]

In the 1950s the moth was accidentally introduced to New Zealand, it has since become established. It has caused localized die-backs of scotch broom throughout the country.[2]

References
  1. Coombs, Eric M. (2004). Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press. ISBN 9780870710292.
  2. "Broom twig miner" (PDF). www.landcareresearch.co.nz. 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2019.


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