Ethmia apicipunctella

(Chambers, 1875)

Ethmia apicipunctella is a small in the Depressariidae, found in southwestern North America and adjacent Mexico. The is characterized by variable black spotting on white or pale gray forewings and whitish hindwings with brownish tinging toward the area. are active from March to July. The Ethmia was formerly placed in Coleophoridae but is now classified in Depressariidae.

Coleophora deauratella (34455288764) by Ben Sale from UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.(0718) Ethmia dodecea (35298979835) by Ben Sale from UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.(1457) Hypochalcia ahenella (35298978955) by Ben Sale from UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia apicipunctella: /ˈɛθ.mi.ə əˌpɪ.sɪˌpʌŋkˈtɛl.ə/

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Identification

Can be distinguished from other Ethmia by the specific pattern of black spotting on the forewings and the brownish tinge on the hindwings. The Ethmia can be separated from superficially similar tortricid leafroller moths by the upturned labial palps, which resemble small horns between the .

Images

Appearance

Small with forewing length of 7.2–9.4 mm. Forewings white or pale gray with black spots that vary in size. Hindwings whitish, slightly tinged with brownish toward the area.

Distribution

North America from southern Texas and Nuevo León to eastern Arizona and adjoining areas of Mexico; northern range extends into Colorado and southern Wyoming. Distribution records also include Manitoba, Canada.

Seasonality

on wing from March to July

Similar Taxa

  • Other Ethmia speciesApproximately 50 of Ethmia occur north of Mexico, most in the southwestern United States; all share similar black-and-white or gray coloration but differ in spot patterns and wing markings
  • Tortricidae (leafroller moths)Superficially similar in size and shape, but lack the upturned labial palps characteristic of Ethmia

More Details

Taxonomic history

The Ethmia was formerly classified in the Coleophoridae but has been reassigned to Depressariidae based on revised understanding of evolutionary relationships.

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Sources and further reading