Agonopterix senicionella
(Busck, 1902)
Agonopterix senicionella is a small in the Depressariidae, described by August Busck in 1902. It is restricted to the eastern United States, with records from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The is a whose feed exclusively on Packera aurea, a formerly classified as Senecio aureus. are recognized by their distinctive pattern of dark ochrous gray with brownish suffusion and characteristic black discal dots.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agonopterix senicionella: /ˌæɡoʊˈnɒptərɪks sɛˌnɪʃiˈoʊnɛlə/
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Identification
The combination of small size (18–22 mm wingspan), dark ochrous gray with brownish suffusion, and the specific pattern of black discal dots (two at third, one at end of ) distinguishes this from other Agonopterix. The light basal with blackish-fuscous spot in the fold and the fuscous-suffused are additional diagnostic features. Similar species in the lack this precise arrangement of markings and basal patch structure.
Images
Appearance
Wingspan 18–22 mm. dark ochrous gray, overlaid and suffused with brownish ochrous. Light present, suffused with fuscous on , containing a blackish-fuscous spot in the fold and bordered outwardly by a fading fuscous . Two black discal dots at basal third in , plus a black discal dot at end of cell preceded by an indistinct fuscous shade. and costa marked with ill-defined fuscous spots. grayish fuscous, darker apically.
Habitat
Associated with supporting its larval Packera aurea, which occurs in moist woodlands, stream banks, and wet meadows in eastern North America. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.
Distribution
Eastern United States: recorded from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The distribution appears to track that of its larval .
Seasonality
period not explicitly documented in available sources; likely corresponds with growing season.
Diet
feed on Packera aurea (formerly Senecio aureus). feeding habits unknown.
Host Associations
- Packera aurea - larval Formerly classified as Senecio aureus; specific to this
Ecological Role
; likely tied to availability of Packera aurea. Potential role as for not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or cultural significance. Of potential interest to studying - specialization.
Similar Taxa
- Other Agonopterix speciesShare general pattern elements but differ in specific arrangement of discal dots, structure, and coloration; many feed on different plants in Asteraceae or Apiaceae
More Details
Nomenclature
The specific epithet 'senicionella' references the former name Senecio aureus, reflecting the ' close association with this plant. The plant has since been reclassified to Packera aurea.
Taxonomic history
Described by August Busck in 1902, a prominent who described numerous North American microlepidoptera.