Exaeretia sordidella

The combination of small size (18–21 mm), sordid whitish forewings with dense dull golden-yellow and brown irroration, two distinct brown discal spots (basal and at cell end), and the characteristic dull golden-yellow patch in the fold below the basal discal spot distinguishes this species from other Exaeretia. The series of brownish spots along the termen is also distinctive. Similar species in the genus may lack the pronounced golden-yellow patch in the fold or show different spotting patterns.

Wingspan 18–21 mm. Forewings sordid whitish, densely irrorated with dull golden yellow and brown. Two brown discal spots present: one at the basal third with an elongate dull golden-yellow patch below it in the fold, and a conspicuous second spot at the end of the cell. A series of indistinct brownish spots runs from the apical third of the costa around the termen to the inner margin, mixed with a few dull golden-yellow scales. Hindwings smoky fuscous.

Recorded from British Columbia, Oklahoma, and Texas in North America.

• Other Exaeretia speciesSimilar small size and general Depressariidae morphology, but differ in forewing pattern elements such as the presence and placement of discal spots, the extent of golden-yellow scaling in the fold, and the density of irroration.

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