Notes on bionomics of Kessleria alpicella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), with confirmation of its occurrence in Bohemia

Abstrakt: Kessleria alpicella (Stainton, 1851) has been found in association with its host plant Saxifraga paniculata Miller in the Český kras (= Bohemian karst) protected landscape area in central Bohemia. The larva is a leaf miner that hides among withered ground leaves of the host plant. Larvae of the first generation probably live from August to April. Their development continues at low temperatures during autumn and winter. Adults emerge in May within two weeks of pupation. Larvae of the second generation live from June to July, and adults emerge at the end of July and in August. The finding near the village Svatý Jan pod Skalou confirms the occurrence of K. alpicella in Bohemia 129 years after the first record and represents the lowest altitude (280 m a.s.l.) so far known for this mountain moth species.

Klíčová slova: Bionomy, host-plant, life history, larva, Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae, Kessleria alpicella, central Bohemia