Ethmia umbrimarginella

Busck, 1907

Ethmia umbrimarginella is a small in the Depressariidae, first described by Busck in 1907. It is found in the southwestern United States, specifically in southern Arizona and New Mexico. The is characterized by its distinctive wing pattern: dark slate gray forewings with a dirty white costal edge, and white hindwings with a broad dark gray margin. have been recorded in February.

Ethmia umbrimarginella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ethmia umbrimarginella: /ˈɛθ.mi.ə ˌʌm.brɪˌmɑr.dʒɪˈnɛl.ə/

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Identification

The combination of dark slate gray forewings with dirty white costal edge and white hindwings with broad dark gray marginal band distinguishes this from other Ethmia. The specific wing pattern separates it from in the southwestern United States. The upturned labial palps, resembling small horns between the , are characteristic of Depressariidae and help distinguish Ethmia from superficially similar tortricid moths.

Images

Appearance

A small with forewing length of 9.5–9.7 mm. Forewings are dark slate gray in ground color, with the immediate costal edge dirty white extending to the one-fourth. Hindwings are white with a broad dark gray margin surrounding the , terminal, and areas. The overall appearance is muted and gray-toned, typical of the .

Habitat

Arid and semi-arid environments in the southwestern United States. Specific microhabitat details are not documented, but related Ethmia are associated with their larval plants.

Distribution

Southern Arizona and New Mexico, United States. The range is restricted to the southwestern portion of the country.

Seasonality

have been recorded in February. The complete period and number of per year are not documented.

Similar Taxa

Other Ethmia speciesApproximately 50-odd Ethmia occur in North America, most in the southwestern United States. They share the -typical black, white, and gray coloration, but differ in specific wing pattern elements such as the extent and placement of pale markings on forewings and the configuration of dark margins on hindwings.
Tortricidae (leafroller moths)Some Depressariidae including Ethmia can be confused with tortricids, but Ethmia possess upturned labial palps that project forward like small horns between the , a feature not found in Tortricidae.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The Ethmia was formerly placed in the Coleophoridae but is now classified in Depressariidae. This reflects ongoing revisions in lepidopteran based on molecular and morphological data.

Larval biology of related species

While the larval plant of E. umbrimarginella is unknown, most Ethmia for which is known feed on plants in the Boraginaceae, Ehretiaceae, and Hydrophyllaceae. This pattern suggests a similar host association may occur in this species.