Agonopterix lythrella
(Walsingham, 1889)
A small in the Depressariidae described by Walsingham in 1889. It is found in northeastern and north-central North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies to the Atlantic coast and south to North Carolina. The has a wingspan of approximately 15 mm and distinctive tawny-reddish forewings with characteristic pattern elements.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agonopterix lythrella: //əˈɡɒnəptərɪks lɪˈθrɛlə//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Agonopterix by the combination of: tawny-reddish (not grey or brown) ground color of forewings; presence of a distinct pale cinereous basal patch with a spot on its lower half; and the curved black spot before the middle of the wing that is edged with reddish and followed by cinereous . The specific plant association with Lythrum and Hypericum species may aid identification in conjunction with morphological features.
Appearance
Small with wingspan approximately 15 mm. Forewings tawny-reddish, dusted with fuscous and pale cinereous toward the . Basal patch pale cinereous with a distinct spot on its lower half. Curved black spot present before the middle of the wing, edged with reddish and followed by cinereous . Hindwings brownish-grey.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Vermont.
Diet
Larvae feed on Lythrum alatum (winged loosestrife), Hypericum punctatum (spotted St. John's wort), and Hypericum virginicum (Virginia marsh St. John's wort). feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Lythrum alatum - larval food plant
- Hypericum punctatum - larval food plant
- Hypericum virginicum - larval food plant