|
|
|---|
The magnolia leafminer, Odontopus calceatus (Say), is a weevil that is 2.5 to 3.9 mm long, and from 1.4 to 2.4 mm wide. Most are black with dark brown antennae, mouth parts, and tarsi. Southern specimens may have yellow tarsi and antennal segments.
In the Gulf States, adults emerge in earth February, but not until late April or early May in the northern reaches of its range. At first they feed on buds and stipules. Later, they feed on expanding leaves producing typical oval or rice-shaped holes. The females lay their eggs in the leaf midrib on the underside of leaves. Upon hatching, the larvae feed in the leaf blade. As many as 19 larvae have been reported in a single mine. When feeding is done, the larvae weave spherical cocoons in the mine and pupate. New adults emerge during the summer months.
In cases of severe infestation, as seen above, the leaves turn brown as if scorched by fire.
Common host plants: magnolia, yellow-popular, sassafrass