Phyllocnistis ampelopsiella

Based on documentation of leaf mines, at least two species mining Vitaceae are found on Block Island: P. ampelopsiella, which mines Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and P. vitegenella, which mines grape (Vitis spp.). A third species in this species complex, the grape-mining P. vitifoliella, has not been documented on Block Island. The group is in need of revision, and species identification should not be considered definitive. Adults occur regularly at AH, where Virginia creeper is common and the nearest grape is 600-700’ away. P. ampelopsiella has been reared at AH, and P. vitegenella has been reared from the nearby grape plants, on which numerous mines have been found.