Atteva punctella

[Robert Dana]

I'm looking for some additional information about this species (Ailanthus webworm). A colleague just came in with a freshly emerged specimen he found while walking in a forest near Minneapolis (the snow has barely gone). Covell's book does not appear to include MN in the range, though "New York to Neb." comes close. What I am most curious about is the host plant or plants: ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), also known as "the tree of heaven", is all I have found in the literature. This species is not documented as occurring in MN. Covell also gives "paradise tree", but I haven't been able to figure out what this is. Are other hosts known? And is the moth introduced to N.A. along with ailanthus? 

Thanks for any help.

Robert

*************************************************************
Robert Dana, Ph.D.
MN DNR
Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155
651 297-2367
Email: robert.dana at dnr.state.mn.us
*************************************************************


 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl