Comadia dolli
Barnes & Benjamin, 1923
Comadia dolli is a small in the Cossidae (carpenter or goat moths), first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1923. It is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. are active during the summer months from May through August. The is one of several in the Comadia, which are generally associated with desert and aridland .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Comadia dolli: /koʊˈmeɪ.diə ˈdɒl.aɪ/
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Identification
The small size (forewing 12–15 mm) distinguishes Comadia dolli from many larger Cossidae . Within the Comadia, identification to species level requires examination of genitalia and other subtle morphological features. The species occurs in a region where several Comadia species overlap, necessitating careful comparison with such as Comadia redtenbacheri and others. The relatively early period (May–August) may help separate it from some seasonal congeners, though this requires verification.
Appearance
have forewings measuring 12–15 mm in length. As a member of Cossidae, the likely exhibits the 's characteristic robust body form and relatively narrow wings compared to many other families. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, including desert scrub, grassland, and open woodland . The has been recorded in association with mesquite (Prosopis) and other woody vegetation typical of Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert .
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico in the southwestern United States. The distribution appears to be restricted to the Mojave and Sonoran Desert regions and adjacent areas.
Seasonality
have been recorded on wing from May to August, indicating a summer period. The timing suggests a single per year, though this has not been explicitly documented.
Life Cycle
details are not documented. As with other Cossidae, larvae likely bore into woody stems or roots of plants, though specific hosts remain unconfirmed for this .
Behavior
are and have been attracted to mercury-vapor and ultraviolet light stations. The has been documented at light sheets in mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland .
Similar Taxa
- Comadia redtenbacheriOverlaps in distribution and ; larger size and different period may help distinguish
- Other Comadia species-level similarity requires genitalia examination for reliable identification; several occur in the southwestern U.S.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was described by prominent American lepidopterists William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1923, based on material from the southwestern United States. The Comadia currently contains approximately 15 described species, primarily distributed in North and Central America.
Collection records
Specimens have been collected using both mercury-vapor and ultraviolet light trapping methods, with activity documented at dusk and during nighttime hours. The appears to be infrequently encountered, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.