Ethmia longimaculella

(Chambers, 1872)

streaked ethmia moth

Ethmia longimaculella, commonly known as the streaked ethmia , is a small moth in the Depressariidae. The is characterized by distinctive black longitudinal streaks on white forewings. It occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada to Texas, with two recognized showing different seasonal patterns. The larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the Boraginaceae family.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia longimaculella: /ˈɛθ.mi.ə ˌlɒŋ.ɪ.mæ.kjʊˈlɛl.ə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Ethmia by the pattern of black longitudinal streaks on white forewings rather than spots or other markings. The Ethmia can be separated from superficially similar tortricid moths by upturned labial palps that project forward like small horns between the . Species-level identification within Ethmia requires examination of genitalic characters.

Appearance

Small with forewing length 8.8–11.2 mm. Forewings white with black markings, mostly as longitudinal streaks. Hindwings whitish basally, becoming pale brownish distally. Overall coloration black, white, and gray.

Habitat

Oak woodlands and mixed forest . Associated with plants in the Boraginaceae .

Distribution

Eastern North America from southern Canada and the northern United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Midwest range extends south to Texas. longimaculella occurs from southern Canada to eastern Kentucky; subspecies coranella occurs in central and northern Texas.

Seasonality

of longimaculella fly from late May to early July. Adults of subspecies coranella have been recorded in May, June, and August.

Diet

Larvae feed on Lithospermum (Lithospermum officinale, Lithospermum latifolium) and Onosmodium hispidissimum, all in the Boraginaceae .

Host Associations

  • Lithospermum officinale - larval plant
  • Lithospermum latifolium - larval plant
  • Onosmodium hispidissimum - larval plantlarvae have been reared from this

Behavior

are attracted to blacklights. Larvae conceal themselves while feeding on plants.

Ecological Role

Herbivore; larval stage consumes foliage of Boraginaceae plants. Part of the supporting predatory insects and other arthropods.

Human Relevance

Not a significant pest . Of interest to lepidopterists and naturalists.

Similar Taxa

  • Ethmia discostrigellaSimilar black-and-white patterning, but differs in plant association (Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus) and geographic distribution (western foothills)
  • Tortricidae (leafroller moths)Superficially similar resting posture and size, but Ethmia have distinctive upturned labial palps projecting forward like horns between

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: E. l. longimaculella (southern Canada to eastern Kentucky) and E. l. coranella (central and northern Texas). The subspecies differ in period timing.

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Hyponomeuta longimaculella by Chambers in 1872. The Ethmia was formerly placed in Coleophoridae, then moved to Elachistidae, and is now classified in Depressariidae.

Tags

Sources and further reading