Ethmia submissa

Busck, 1914

Ethmia submissa is a small in the Ethmiidae, found in the Caribbean and southern Florida. The is one of approximately 50 Ethmia species known north of Mexico, with most occurring in the southwestern United States. are active during multiple periods throughout the year, with times varying by region. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern that distinguishes it from similar .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia submissa: /ˈɛθ.mi.ə səbˈmɪs.ə/

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Identification

Similar in forewing pattern to Ethmia elutella, but distinguished by reduced gray clouding and dark purple and terminal patches rather than the bronzy or coppery purplish coloration of E. elutella and Ethmia janzeni. Hindwing ground color white distinguishes it from many with darker hindwings.

Appearance

Forewing length 7–8.7 mm. Forewings with reduced gray clouding compared to similar . and terminal patches on forewings are dark purple. Hindwings white, becoming pale brownish toward the margins.

Distribution

Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and southern Florida (United States).

Seasonality

active February–March in Jamaica; April, May, and July in Puerto Rico; November–December in Cuba. Multiple per year.

Similar Taxa

  • Ethmia elutellaSimilar forewing pattern, but E. submissa has reduced gray clouding and dark purple rather than bronzy or coppery purplish and terminal patches
  • Ethmia janzeniSimilar forewing pattern, but E. submissa distinguished by dark purple rather than bronzy or coppery purplish coloration

More Details

Taxonomic history

Ethmia was formerly placed in the Coleophoridae, but is now classified in Depressariidae (or Ethmiidae in some classifications).

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Sources and further reading