Ethmia hagenella

(Chambers, 1878)

Ethmia hagenella is a small in the Ethmiidae (formerly placed in Depressariidae), found in Texas and New Mexico. The has two recognized with distinct geographic ranges and periods. It is one of approximately 50 Ethmia species occurring north of Mexico, most of which are concentrated in the southwestern United States.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia hagenella: /ˈɛθ.mi.ə ˌhæɡ.əˈnɛl.lə/

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Identification

The combination of white ground color with pale brown costal banding on forewings distinguishes this from many . The hindwing pattern with brownish margins and dark spots between is diagnostic. can be distinguished by geographic origin: hagenella in central Texas versus josephinella in extreme western Texas and southern New Mexico.

Habitat

Associated with oak woodlands in foothill regions; occurs in dry, mixed at moderate elevations.

Distribution

United States: Texas (central and extreme western portions) and New Mexico (southern). hagenella occurs in central Texas; subspecies josephinella occurs in extreme western Texas and southern New Mexico.

Seasonality

hagenella: active January, March, April, and October in multiple . Subspecies josephinella: adults active late March to May and September, probably also in multiple generations.

Behavior

are attracted to blacklights at night. Multiple per year occur in both .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Ethmia speciesApproximately 50 Ethmia occur north of Mexico, most with similar black-and-white or gray coloration; many require genital dissection or geographic distribution for definitive identification
  • Tortricid leafrolling moths (family Tortricidae)Can be confused with Depressariidae members, but Ethmia have upturned labial palps resembling horns between

More Details

Taxonomic history

Formerly placed in Coleophoridae, then Depressariidae; now classified in family Ethmiidae. The Ethmia was moved to Depressariidae before its current placement.

Subspecies

Two recognized: Ethmia hagenella hagenella (Chambers, 1878) and Ethmia hagenella josephinella (Dyar, 1902). They differ in geographic range and but not substantially in wing pattern.

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