Walshia floridensis
Hodges, 1978
Walshia floridensis is a small in the Cosmopterigidae, described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1978. It is to Florida, with active during the winter months. The is notable for its specific association with the legume Petalostemon pinnatum as a larval plant.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Walshia floridensis: /ˈwɔl.ʃi.ə ˌflɔr.ɪˈdɛn.sɪs/
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Identification
Specific diagnostic features for distinguishing Walshia floridensis from are not documented in available sources. The Walshia contains multiple North American , and precise identification typically requires examination of genitalia or other microscopic characters.
Images
Habitat
Associated with sand scrub on the Lake Wales Ridge of central Florida, where its larval plant Petalostemon pinnatum occurs.
Distribution
to Florida, United States. Recorded from sand scrub remnants in central Florida, specifically the Lake Wales Ridge region.
Seasonality
have been recorded on wing from November to January.
Diet
Larvae feed on Petalostemon pinnatum, a leguminous shrub.
Host Associations
- Petalostemon pinnatum - larval Larvae feed on this plant; specific feeding mode (leaf mining, stem boring, etc.) not documented
Similar Taxa
- Other Walshia speciesMultiple occur in North America; distinguishing features not specified in available literature
More Details
Nomenclatural note
The specific epithet 'floridensis' refers to the state of Florida, the only known location for this . The author, Ronald W. Hodges, was a prominent American lepidopterist who made substantial contributions to the classification of microlepidoptera.