Spinitibia hodgesi
Streaked Spinitibia Moth
Spinitibia hodgesi, the Streaked Spinitibia , is a small moth and the sole member of its within the Autostichidae. It is known from a documented distribution across the southeastern and south-central United States. The is represented by 236 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is moderately well-documented by citizen scientists. Its specific epithet honors lepidopterist Ronald B. Hodges.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Spinitibia hodgesi: //ˌspɪnɪˈtɪbiə ˈhɒd͡ʒəsi//
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Identification
Distinguished from other small in the region by the combination of streaked forewing pattern and the presence of spine-like projections on the tibiae. As the only in its , identification to genus level is definitive for species determination in this case.
Images
Appearance
Small with forewings displaying streaked or lined patterning characteristic of many Autostichidae. The name 'Spinitibia' refers to spine-like structures on the tibiae of the legs, a diagnostic morphological feature of the .
Distribution
Southeastern and south-central United States: recorded from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Similar Taxa
- Other AutostichidaeSimilar in size and general appearance, but Spinitibia hodgesi is distinguished by the diagnostic spined tibiae and its specific streaked wing pattern; other autostichids lack the modified leg structures.
More Details
Taxonomic uniqueness
Spinitibia is a , making S. hodgesi the only representative of this lineage within Autostichidae.