Anacampsis wikeri
Harrison, 2013
Anacampsis wikeri is a small in the Gelechiidae, described from Illinois in 2013. The is restricted to prairie and is , with larvae feeding exclusively on leadplant (Amorpha canescens). are active from early June through autumn and overwinter, resuming activity the following spring. The species is externally nearly identical to the related A. psoraliella, requiring genital examination or larval plant knowledge for reliable identification.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anacampsis wikeri: /ˌænəˈkæmpsɪs ˈwɪkəri/
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Identification
are externally very similar to Anacampsis psoraliella, making sight identification unreliable where the two ' plants occur together. Unequivocal requires examination of adult genitalia or knowledge of the larval host plant. The male and female genitalia differ distinctly between the two species.
Habitat
Tallgrass prairies.
Distribution
Recorded from Illinois and Iowa. Likely occurs more broadly in the Midwest where its plant, Amorpha canescens, is present.
Seasonality
Mature larvae occur in late May. are active from early June through summer and autumn, as adults. One per year.
Diet
Larvae feed on the terminal leaflets of leadplant (Amorpha canescens).
Host Associations
- Amorpha canescens - larval food plantFabaceae; prairie legume commonly called leadplant
Life Cycle
. Mature larvae present in late May. emerge in early June, remain active through summer and autumn, and overwinter. One annually.
Similar Taxa
- Anacampsis psoraliella are externally very similar; the two occur in sympatry where their respective legume plants overlap. Reliable separation requires genital examination or larval host plant identification.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described as a new in 2013 based on specimens from Illinois. The species was recognized as distinct from A. psoraliella through combined evidence of larval specificity and genital .
Conservation notes
Restricted to prairie , which have declined significantly across the Midwest. Dependence on a single plant may limit distribution and .