Adela astrella

Walsingham, 1915

Adela astrella is a of fairy in the Adelidae, described by Walsingham in 1915. As with other members of the Adela, this species is characterized by the extremely long of males. The family Adelidae comprises small, delicate moths commonly known as fairy moths or long-horn moths. Available information on this specific species is limited, with 28 observations recorded on iNaturalist.

Adela astrella 165733758 by Ma. Eugenia Mendiola González. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Adela astrella 165732768 by Ma. Eugenia Mendiola González. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Adela astrella 165733767 by Ma. Eugenia Mendiola González. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Adela astrella: /əˈdiːlə æˈstrɛlə/

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Identification

Members of the Adela can be distinguished from other microlepidoptera by their exceptionally long , particularly in males where antennae may reach three times the length of the forewings. Females have antennae approximately twice the forewing length. The basal portion of the antennae is typically thickened. -level identification within Adela requires examination of genitalia or other subtle morphological features not readily apparent from external characters alone.

Images

Distribution

Described by Walsingham in 1915; specific geographic range not documented in available sources. The Adela has representatives across North America and Europe.

Similar Taxa

Adela caeruleellaSimilar metallic coloration and body form; distinguished by specific wing patterns and genitalia structure
Adela ridingsellaOverlapping geographic distribution in some regions; requires detailed examination for separation
Adela reaumurellaShares the characteristic extremely long male and delicate body form of the