The first larval leaf mining and live-leaf feeding by adults is reported in the Anobiidae and the more inclusive superfamily Bostrichoidea. Larvae of Pitnus antillanus Belles bore in leaves of Tournefortia gnaphalodes (L.) (Boraginaceae) and adults feed on leaves of the larval host plant. Larvae complete their development and pupation within a single leaf. It is suggested that leaf mining is a recently derived trait in Pitnus.
The first larval leaf mining and live-leaf feeding by adults is reported in the Anobiidae and the more inclusive superfamily Bostrichoidea. Larvae of Pitnus antillanus Belles bore in leaves of Tournefortia gnaphalodes (L.) (Boraginaceae) and adults feed on leaves of the larval host plant. Larvae complete their development and pupation within a single leaf. It is suggested that leaf mining is a recently derived trait in Pitnus.
Philips, T., Ivie, M. & Ivie, L. 1998. Leaf mining and grazing in spider beetles (Coleoptera: Anobiidae: Ptininae): an unreported mode of larval and adult feeding in the Bostrichoidea. <em>Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington</em>, 100(1): 147-153.