Durrantia piperatella
(Zeller, 1873)
Durrantia piperatella is a small in the Peleopodidae, described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1873. It is known from the south-central United States, with records from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The has a wingspan of 18–20 mm and exhibits distinctive pale ochreous-white forewings with minimal grey speckling. It has been documented in 343 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is moderately well-recorded within its limited range.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Durrantia piperatella: /dʊˈrantia pɪpɛrˈatɛlla/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar small gelechioid moths by the combination of ochreous-white forewings with very sparse grey speckling (only 2–3 specks, occasionally 2–3 more on termen), yellow ochreous costal edge, and pale whitish ochreous hindwings. The limited grey markings and specific costal coloration may help separate it from , though specific distinguishing features from other Durrantia are not documented in available sources.
Appearance
Wingspan 18–20 mm. Forewings ochreous white with two or three grey specks, sometimes with two or three additional specks on the termen. Extreme costal edge yellow ochreous from base to origin of cilia, greyish at base. Hindwings pale whitish ochreous.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Distribution appears restricted to the south-central United States.
More Details
Family placement
The placement of this has varied across sources: Wikipedia lists Depressariidae, while Catalogue of Life, GBIF, and iNaturalist list Peleopodidae. Peleopodidae is treated here as the current accepted family following Catalogue of Life and GBIF, which reflect more recent taxonomic revisions.