Neocrania bifasciata
Davis, 1978
Neocrania bifasciata is a small and the sole member of the Neocrania. It belongs to the Eriocraniidae, a primitive group of Lepidoptera. The species is to the Coast Ranges of southern California and was described by Davis in 1978. It is one of the few eriocraniid species found in western North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neocrania bifasciata: //niː.oʊˈkreɪ.ni.ə ˌbaɪˌfæ.siˈeɪ.tə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Neocrania bifasciata can be distinguished from other Eriocraniidae by its specific wing pattern featuring two transverse fasciae (bands), as indicated by the epithet "bifasciata." The Neocrania is , so identification to genus level confirms species identity. Separation from related genera such as Eriocrania and Dyseriocrania requires examination of genitalic characters and wing venation patterns described in Davis (1978).
Habitat
Coastal and montane forests in the Coast Ranges of southern California. Specific plant associations have not been documented in the provided sources.
Distribution
to the Coast Ranges of southern California, United States.
Similar Taxa
- Eriocrania spp.Eriocrania is the type of Eriocraniidae and shares similar small size, primitive wing venation, and leaf-mining larval habits. Distinguished by wing pattern and genitalic .
- Dyseriocrania spp.Another eriocraniid occurring in western North America. Similar overall but differs in wing pattern and male genitalia structure.