Ethmia brevistriga

Clarke, 1950

Species Guides

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Ethmia brevistriga is a small in the Depressariidae, to California. are active from March to mid-May. The exhibits distinct wing patterning with a white line on dark brown forewings, and has two recognized showing -related color variation. Larvae are specialized feeders on Phacelia distans.

Ethmia brevistriga by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Ethmia brevistriga by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Ethmia brevistriga by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia brevistriga: /ˈɛθmiə brɛˈvɪstrɪɡə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Ethmia by the combination of small size (forewing 4.7–6.4 mm), dark brown ground color with a distinct white forewing line, and the paler costal area of the hindwings. aridicola can be identified by its darker coloration from reduced whitish overscaling. Separation from similar species likely requires examination of genitalia or plant association.

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Appearance

Forewing length 4.7–6.4 mm. Ground color of forewings dark brown with a distinct white line. Hindwings dark brown with paler costal area. aridicola has darker ground color due to reduced whitish overscaling, especially on the costal half.

Habitat

Coastal strand and inland arid regions of California. The nominate occurs along the immediate coastal strand in central California, while subspecies aridicola inhabits inland California.

Distribution

to California, United States. Two occupy distinct ranges: E. b. brevistriga along the immediate coastal strand in central California, and E. b. aridicola in inland California.

Seasonality

are on wing from March to mid-May.

Diet

Larvae feed on Phacelia distans (Boraginaceae). aridicola is restricted to Phacelia distans var. australis.

Host Associations

  • Phacelia distans - larval food plant
  • Phacelia distans var. australis - larval food plantexclusive for aridicola

Similar Taxa

  • Other Ethmia speciesMany Ethmia share similar black-white-gray coloration and small size; E. brevistriga distinguished by specific wing pattern and California
  • E. brevistriga aridicola / E. brevistriga brevistrigaThe two differ in ground color darkness and overscaling , correlated with coastal versus inland

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