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Gracillariidae

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Gracillariidae is a relatively large family of the order Lepidoptera. These moths are small and adopt a typical resting posture with front legs widely spaced. The larvae of this family are leaf miners.

The first-instar larva possesses specialised mouthparts, the mandibles being blade-shaped and adapted for tearing up plant tissue in order to have the juices rise and feed on them. Older larvae have normal chewing mouthparts. The spotted tentiform miner (Phyllonorycter blancardella) is an important species in Europe.



Arthropoda - Insecta - Families of Lepidoptera

 


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