Ethmia macelhosiella

Busck, 1907

Ethmia macelhosiella is a small in the Ethmiidae (formerly placed in Depressariidae). It is found in the eastern and central United States, with records from Missouri, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. are active in autumn, with records from October and November. The larvae feed on Phacelia (Boraginaceae family).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia macelhosiella: /ˈɛθmiə mæˌkɛlsoʊˈsiːɛlə/

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Identification

Can be confused with other Ethmia , which share similar black, white, and gray coloration. Most Ethmia species require examination of genitalia or plant association for definitive identification. Distinguished from superficially similar tortricid moths by the upturned labial palps that project forward like small horns between the .

Habitat

Specific preferences are not well documented. Associated with areas where plants (Phacelia ) occur.

Distribution

United States: Missouri, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. The has a limited and patchy distribution in the eastern and central United States.

Seasonality

have been recorded in October and November. The is with a single autumn period.

Diet

Larvae feed on Phacelia ( Boraginaceae). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Phacelia - larval food plant in Boraginaceae

Life Cycle

Larvae feed on plants and then select cracks in bark or bore into logs or trees to pupate. emerge in autumn.

Behavior

Larvae pupate in cracks in bark or by boring into logs or trees. No other specific are documented.

Similar Taxa

Other Ethmia speciesSimilar black, white, and gray coloration; require genitalia examination or plant data for separation
Tortricidae (leafroller moths)Similar size and resting posture; distinguished by upturned labial palps in Ethmiidae

More Details

Taxonomic history

The Ethmia was formerly placed in the Coleophoridae, then Depressariidae. It is now classified in the family Ethmiidae. Ethmia are known as 'depressing' due to their uniform drab coloration, not their .