Ethmia hodgesella

Powell, 1973

Ethmia hodgesella is a small in the Ethmiidae, described by Powell in 1973. The occurs in the southwestern United States (Texas, Arizona, California) and extends along both sides of the central cordillera of Mexico. have distinctive forewing patterning with a serpentine longitudinal line dividing whitish and dark brownish gray costal areas.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia hodgesella: /ˈɛθ.mi.ə hɒdˈʒɛl.ə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Ethmia by the specific forewing pattern: the serpentine longitudinal line and the arrangement of three triangulate dark spurs on the whitish area with a round dark spot between the first two spurs. The mostly dark brownish gray costal area contrasts sharply with the pale dorsal region. Most Ethmia species appear superficially similar in black, white, and gray patterning, requiring close examination of wing markings for accurate identification.

Appearance

Small with forewing length 6–7.8 mm. Forewings patterned with a serpentine longitudinal line dividing and costal regions: dorsal area whitish with three prominent triangulate dark spurs extending from the , plus a conspicuous round dark spot between and below the first two spurs; costal area mostly dark brownish gray. Hindwings unicolorous pale gray.

Distribution

United States: Texas, Arizona, California; Mexico: extending along both sides of the central cordillera

Similar Taxa

Other Ethmia speciesApproximately 50+ occur in North America north of Mexico, all sharing similar black, white, and gray coloration; distinguished primarily by specific forewing pattern elements including the arrangement of dark spots, spurs, and longitudinal lines

More Details

Taxonomic note

Ethmia was formerly placed in the Coleophoridae, then Depressariidae, and is now classified in Ethmiidae (formerly treated as Ethmiinae within Depressariidae). This reclassification reflects ongoing refinement of gelechioid .

Etymology

The specific epithet 'hodgesella' honors Ronald W. Hodges, an American lepidopterist who made significant contributions to the classification of microlepidoptera.