Comadia bertholdi
Grote, 1880
Lupine Borer Moth
Comadia bertholdi, commonly known as the lupine borer , is a cossid moth native to the western United States. The species exhibits in forewing length, with males measuring 13–17 mm and females 18–19 mm. are active from spring through summer, and the larvae are specialized feeders on Lupinus species. Three are recognized, differentiated by geographic distribution.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Comadia bertholdi: /kɔˈmaːdi.a ˈbɛr.tɔldi/
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Identification
Can be distinguished from other Comadia by the combination of geographic range (western United States) and association with Lupinus plants. The three recognized (bertholdi, indistincta, polingi) are separated by distribution and subtle morphological differences described in the original taxonomic literature. Accurate identification to subspecies level requires examination of or reference to Brown (1976) and Barnes & Benjamin (1927).
Appearance
Forewing length 13–17 mm in males, 18–19 mm in females. As a member of Cossidae, likely have relatively stout bodies and wings, though specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with supporting Lupinus , which serve as larval plants. These include open, often dry or semi-arid environments in western North America.
Distribution
United States: Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Three have more restricted ranges: C. b. bertholdi in California, Colorado, and Wyoming; C. b. indistincta in California; and C. b. polingi in Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Seasonality
recorded on wing from April to August.
Diet
Larvae feed on Lupinus (Fabaceae). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Lupinus - larval -level association; specific Lupinus not identified in available sources.
Ecological Role
As a herbivore on Lupinus, larvae likely contribute to nutrient cycling and plant in their native . The may also serve as prey for and , though specific relationships are not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or agricultural significance. The "lupine borer" refers to larval tunneling in plant stems or roots, but impacts on wild lupine or cultivated have not been quantified.
Similar Taxa
- Other Comadia speciesCongeneric in the western United States require careful morphological examination for separation; C. bertholdi is distinguished by its specific association with Lupinus and the documented structure.
- Other Cossidae larvae in LupinusLarval identification within Cossidae is difficult; association with specific plants and geographic range are primary distinguishing features.
More Details
Subspecies
Three are recognized: Comadia bertholdi bertholdi (nominate subspecies), C. b. indistincta described by Brown in 1976, and C. b. polingi described by Barnes & Benjamin in 1927. The subspecies indistincta is restricted to California, while polingi has the broadest southern distribution.
Taxonomic history
Described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. The has been subject to limited modern taxonomic revision, with definitions based primarily on geographic and minor morphological distinctions.