Tinagma gaedikei
Harrison, 2005
Tinagma gaedikei is a small in the , described by Harrison in 2005. It is known from a restricted range in the central United States, specifically central Illinois and northern Kentucky. The has a specialized two-year tied to its , with feeding internally on fruits.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tinagma gaedikei: //tɪˈnæɡmə ˈɡaɪdɪˌki//
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Identification
No diagnostic features have been published to distinguish this from . The Tinagma contains small, inconspicuous generally requiring dissection or molecular analysis for species-level identification.
Habitat
Associated with supporting its Phacelia purshii, which occurs in moist woodlands and shaded slopes in the eastern deciduous forest region.
Distribution
Recorded from central Illinois and northern Kentucky, USA. The appears to have a very restricted range within the Interior Low Plateaus and Central Till Plains ecoregions.
Seasonality
are active from late April to mid-May. occurs in mid-April of the second year, indicating a .
Diet
feed internally on the fruits of Phacelia purshii (Boraginaceae).
Host Associations
- Phacelia purshii - larval feed on fruit
Life Cycle
. feed on fruit in the first year and overwinter. Development resumes the following year, with occurring in mid-April. emerge shortly thereafter.
Behavior
are internal fruit feeders. likely or , consistent with -level patterns in .
Ecological Role
As a fruit-feeder, may act as seed on Phacelia purshii, potentially influencing reproductive success in local .
Human Relevance
No known economic or cultural significance. The is of potential interest to biologists due to its restricted range and specialized association.
Similar Taxa
- Tinagma obscurofasciellaOverlaps in eastern North range; both are small douglasiid requiring careful examination for separation.
- Tinagma californicumWestern ; geographic separation is the primary distinguishing feature.
More Details
Etymology
Named in honor of German Hans Gaedike, in .
Conservation Status
Not formally assessed. Extremely limited observational records (6 iNaturalist observations) suggest it may be genuinely rare or underdetected due to small size and brief period.