Antaeotricha decorosella
(Busck, 1908)
Antaeotricha decorosella is a in the Depressariidae, first described by August Busck in 1908. It is known from scattered records across the eastern United States. The larvae feed on specific oak . have distinctive rich brown forewings with silky lustre.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Antaeotricha decorosella: /ænˌtiːoʊˈtraɪkə dɛˌkɔːrəˈsɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar pale-winged Antaeotricha by the rich deer brown forewing coloration with silky lustre, rather than the white or spotted patterns seen in relatives such as A. albulella or A. floridella. The light ochreous costal edge and subtle darker spot at the end of the are additional distinguishing features.
Appearance
Wingspan 22–24 mm. Forewings rich deer brown with strong silky lustre; costal edge narrowly light ochreous; small barely perceptible darker brown spot at end of . Hindwings whitish fuscous.
Habitat
Associated with oak , given larval plants. Specific microhabitat preferences for are not documented.
Distribution
Recorded from New Jersey, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, and Massachusetts in the eastern United States.
Diet
Larvae feed on Quercus ilicifolia (scrub oak) and Quercus marilandica (blackjack oak). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Quercus ilicifolia - larval food plantscrub oak
- Quercus marilandica - larval food plantblackjack oak
Similar Taxa
- Antaeotricha albulellaA. albulella has white forewings or forewings with one or two black spots, and white or pale-gray hindwings, whereas A. decorosella has rich deer brown forewings with silky lustre.
- Antaeotricha floridellaA. floridella has snow-white forewings above and pale gray hindwings, restricted to dry sandhills and scrub of peninsular Florida, while A. decorosella has brown forewings and broader eastern distribution.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by August Busck in 1908. The has been recorded from only a handful of localities across the eastern United States, suggesting it may be genuinely uncommon or undercollected.