Exaeretia canella

(Busck, 1904)

A small in the Depressariidae with distinctive white forewings marked by black, brown, and fuscous patterns. Described by August Busck in 1904, it is widely distributed across western and eastern North America. The larvae feed on specific plants in the Asteraceae family.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Exaeretia canella: /ɛkˈseɪətiə kəˈnɛlə/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar by the combination of pure white forewings with a large central fuscous blotch edged in brown and preceded by a black crescentic dash. May be confused with Agonopterix alstroemeriana; close examination of wing pattern elements, particularly the shape and position of the central blotch and the presence of the black crescentic dash, is required for separation.

Distribution

North America: recorded from California, Washington, British Columbia, Quebec, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, and Connecticut.

Diet

Larvae feed on Antennaria luzuloides and Gnaphalium (Asteraceae). diet not documented.

Host Associations

  • Antennaria luzuloides - larval
  • Gnaphalium - larval not specified

Similar Taxa

  • Agonopterix alstroemerianaSimilar size and general appearance; requires careful examination of forewing pattern details for reliable separation

More Details

Original description

First described as Depressaria canella by August Busck in 1904, later transferred to Exaeretia.

Sources and further reading