Oegoconia deauratella
(Herrich-Schäffer, 1854)
Scarce Obscure Moth
Oegoconia deauratella, commonly known as the Scarce Obscure , is a small gelechioid moth in the Autostichidae. It has a wingspan of 11–15 mm and is known from most of Europe and parts of North America including Québec, Ontario, and Michigan. The was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oegoconia deauratella: /ˌiːɡoʊˈkoʊniə diˌɔːrəˈtɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Oegoconia by genitalia examination; external alone is insufficient for reliable identification. The small size (11–15 mm wingspan) and gelechioid characteristics place it in this group, but species-level determination requires examination.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 11–15 mm. The specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Distribution
Most of Europe; North America (Québec, Ontario, and Michigan in Canada and USA). Presence confirmed in Belgium with records from Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Antwerpen province, and Brabant province.
Diet
Larva probably feed on dried and decaying vegetable matter.
Ecological Role
Larvae likely contribute to decomposition of dried and decaying plant material.
Similar Taxa
- Other Oegoconia speciesExternal is similar across the ; reliable separation requires examination of genitalia structures.
More Details
Taxonomic Status
Catalogue of Life lists this as an accepted , while GBIF notes it as a synonym of Oegoconia quadripuncta. The name Oegoconia deauratella remains in wide use on iNaturalist and in general references.
Common Name Usage
The 'Scarce Obscure ' appears primarily on iNaturalist and may not be widely established in formal literature.