Exaeretia nivalis
(Braun, 1921)
Exaeretia nivalis is a small in the Depressariidae, described by Braun in 1921. It is found in western North America, with records from Montana, Wyoming, Washington, British Columbia, and Alberta. The is characterized by its predominantly white wings with distinctive discal spots and sparse dark speckling.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exaeretia nivalis: /ɛkˈsæɹɪtiə nɪˈvælɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Exaeretia by the combination of white forewings with faint light-brown shading (not strongly patterned), presence of two discal spots at the basal third plus a larger white-centered discal spot at the end of the , and sparse rather than dense dark irrorations. The uniformly white hindwings and specific pattern of spots along the and termen aid separation from .
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 21–23 mm. Forewings white with faint light-brown shading slightly beyond the base, in the inner angle, and along the inner margin. Two discal spots present at the basal third, plus a larger white-centered discal spot at the end of the . Series of spots along the and around the termen. Sparse fuscous to blackish fuscous irrorations scattered across entire forewing surface. Hindwings uniformly white.
Distribution
Western North America: recorded from Montana, Wyoming, and Washington in the United States; British Columbia and Alberta in Canada.
Similar Taxa
- Other Exaeretia speciesSimilar body plan and wing patterns; E. nivalis distinguished by specific arrangement of discal spots and sparse irroration pattern
More Details
Type locality and description
Described by Annette Frances Braun in 1921. The specific epithet 'nivalis' (Latin for 'of snow') likely refers to the predominantly white wing coloration.