Apatelodes pudefacta

Dyar, 1904

Pudefacted Apatelodes Moth, Lined Apatelodes

Apatelodes pudefacta is a in the Apatelodidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. It is found in Arizona and Mexico. The forewings measure 17–18 mm in length. The has been recorded feeding on Baccharis bigelovii as larvae.

Silkworm - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Another Silkworm - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Apatelodes Moth (37862375062) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Apatelodes pudefacta: //ˌæpəˈtɛloʊdiːz ˌpjuːdəˈfæktə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from similar Apatelodes by its known geographic range (Arizona and Mexico) and specific forewing length of 17–18 mm. The 'Lined Apatelodes' suggests longitudinal wing markings, though this requires verification.

Images

Appearance

Forewings 17–18 mm in length. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with plant Baccharis bigelovii, indicating occupancy of where this shrub occurs. Specific habitat type is not documented.

Distribution

Recorded from the US state of Arizona and Mexico. Precise Mexican distribution is unspecified.

Diet

Larvae feed on Baccharis bigelovii (Bigelow's baccharis, a shrub in the Asteraceae ). feeding habits are unknown.

Host Associations

Baccharis bigelovii - larval plant

Life Cycle

Larvae pupate in a constructed in the soil. Other developmental stages are not documented.

Behavior

occurs underground in a soil , suggesting larvae descend from plant to pupate.

Similar Taxa

Other Apatelodes speciesSimilar and size; differentiation relies on geographic distribution and subtle morphological details

More Details

Taxonomic Note

placement has varied historically: treated as in some sources, now placed in Apatelodidae (Bombycoidea). GBIF lists status as 'DOUBTFUL' though Catalogue of Life accepts the name.

Etymology

Specific epithet 'pudefacta' is Latin, possibly referring to the soil-dwelling pupal habit ('pudere' relates to shame or modesty, 'facta' made; or possibly from 'pudicus' bashful, alluding to concealed ).