Exaeretia umbraticostella
(Walsingham, 1881)
Exaeretia umbraticostella is a small in the Depressariidae with a wingspan of 16–19 mm. It is distributed across western North America from British Columbia to California and east to South Dakota and Texas. The larvae are leaf-tiers that feed on Balsamorhiza sagittata and Helianthus pumilus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exaeretia umbraticostella: //ɛks.aɪˈriː.ti.aʊmˌbrætɪkoʊˈstɛl.a//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Exaeretia by the combination of light reddish ochreous forewings with a conspicuous blackish-fuscous costal shade at the middle, preceded by two minute discal dots, and the light fuscous shade extending from the costal patch around the termen. The shining greyish fuscous hindwings also aid identification.
Distribution
Western North America: recorded from British Columbia and South Dakota south to California and Texas.
Diet
Larvae feed on Balsamorhiza sagittata and Helianthus pumilus.
Host Associations
- Balsamorhiza sagittata - larval food plant
- Helianthus pumilus - larval food plant
Life Cycle
Larvae feed within tubes formed from tied terminal leaves.
Behavior
Larval feeding occurs within protective tubes constructed by tying together terminal leaves of the plant.
Similar Taxa
- Other Exaeretia speciesSimilar size and general ; distinguished by specific forewing pattern elements including the costal shade and discal dots.
More Details
Taxonomic note
described by Walsingham in 1881. The plant is sometimes misspelled as 'Balsamohirza' in older sources; the correct spelling is Balsamorhiza.