Taygete decemmaculella
(Chambers, 1875)
Taygete decemmaculella is a small in the Autostichidae, first described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1875. It is a North American with a wingspan of 15–17 mm. The specific epithet 'decemmaculella' refers to ten spots, suggesting a distinctive spotted wing pattern. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range in the western and north-central United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Taygete decemmaculella: /taɪˈɡɛti ˌdɛsɛmˌmækjʊˈlɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The small wingspan (15–17 mm) distinguishes it from larger Autostichidae. The specific epithet suggests a spotted wing pattern that may aid in identification, though confirmation requires examination of genitalia or reference to original description. Distribution across western North America may help narrow identification among similar small gelechioid moths.
Appearance
Small with a wingspan of 15–17 mm. The name 'decemmaculella' (from Latin 'decem' = ten, 'macula' = spot) indicates the presence of ten spots on the wings, though detailed pattern descriptions are not readily available in accessible literature.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming. The range spans montane and semi-arid regions of the western and north-central United States, with a disjunct record in Maine.
Similar Taxa
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Etymology
The specific epithet 'decemmaculella' derives from Latin 'decem' (ten) and 'macula' (spot), directly describing the wing pattern.
Original description
Described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1875, an American entomologist who described numerous North American Lepidoptera in the late 19th century.