Cosmopterix chisosensis
Hodges, 1978
Cosmopterix chisosensis is a small in the Cosmopterigidae, described by Hodges in 1978. It is known from disjunct in the southern United States and northwestern Argentina. The exhibits striking wing patterning with metallic spots and contrasting white lines on dark brown forewings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cosmopterix chisosensis: //kɒzmɒˈtɛrɪks ˌkɪsoʊˈsɛnsɪs//
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Identification
Distinguished from by the combination of: five white lines in forewing basal area (not four); spot of inner pair further from base than subcostal spot; broad pale yellow transverse fascia extending almost to apex; and specific pattern of white leg markings including entirely white fifth tarsal segments on all legs. The metallic spots on the transverse fascia and the interrupted white antennal line are additional diagnostic features.
Images
Distribution
Argentina (Salta, Tucumán provinces) and United States (Texas, Arizona, Mississippi). The disjunct distribution suggests possible undetected or historical connectivity between regions.
Seasonality
active May–June in the United States; November–February in Argentina. This inverse seasonality corresponds to austral versus summer activity periods.
Similar Taxa
- Cosmopterix spp.Other in the share metallic spotting and white line patterns on forewings, but differ in number and arrangement of basal lines, relative position of subcostal and spots, and extent of transverse fascia.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Ronald B. Hodges in 1978 based on specimens from the Chisos Mountains, Texas (type locality). The specific epithet refers to this type locality.