Comadia suaedivora

Brown & Allen, 1973

Comadia suaedivora is a small cossid described in 1973 from California. Males have forewings 12–16 mm long, females 12–17 mm. The is active from April to June. It belongs to a whose larvae are root borers in desert plants.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Comadia suaedivora: /koʊˈmeɪdiə sjuːəˈdiːvɔrə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Comadia by genitalia and association with plant Suaeda. Small size and plain fuscous forewings are not distinctive alone; identification requires dissection or host plant confirmation.

Appearance

Small with fuscous (dusky brown-gray) forewings. Forewing length 12–16 mm in males, 12–17 mm in females. in size is minimal.

Habitat

Associated with coastal or desert saltbush where plants (Suaeda ) occur.

Distribution

Recorded from California, North America. Specific localities not detailed in available sources.

Seasonality

active April to June.

Host Associations

Suaeda - larval name 'suaedivora' indicates feeding on Suaeda (saltbush)

Similar Taxa

Comadia subterminaOverlaps in California distribution; distinguished by genitalia and plant preferences
Comadia henneiAnother small California Comadia ; requires dissection for separation

More Details

Etymology

Specific epithet 'suaedivora' combines the plant Suaeda with Latin '-vora' (eating), indicating larval feeding on saltbushes in this genus.

Taxonomic history

Described by Brown & Allen in 1973, making it a relatively recently described within a of root-boring .