Battaristis pasadenae

Distinguished from similar gelechiid moths by the combination of: sharply outwardly angulated narrow white fascia on forewing at two-thirds, short white dash on costa opposite first discal stigma, and faint dark dots marking the stigmata. The specific wing pattern with concave upper and lower parts of the angulated fascia is diagnostic. Small size (11–12 mm wingspan) and California distribution further support identification.

Small moth with wingspan of 11–12 mm. Forewings fuscous with scales obscurely white-tipped; basal three-fourths nearly unicolorous with stigmata indicated by faint dark dots. Plical stigma at one-third, first discal obliquely beyond plical with short white dash opposite on costa. Second discal stigma at about two-thirds with some white scaling. Sharply outwardly angulated narrow white fascia leaving costa just beyond two-thirds, running to tornus with upper part longer and both parts concave. Wing beyond fascia more white irrorated than basal part. Hindwings light fuscous.

Known from California, United States. Distribution records limited to this state in western North America.

• Other Battaristis speciesShare genus and general gelechiid morphology; distinguished by specific wing pattern elements including shape and position of white fascia and stigmata markings
• Other small GelechiidaeSimilar size and general appearance; require examination of wing pattern details, particularly the angulated white fascia and stigma positions, for separation

• Gelechiidae
• California endemic
• rarely recorded
• small moth
• white-marked wings

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Cyclocephala-pasadenae - Entomology Today
• Cyclocephala pasadenae Archives - Entomology Today
• JIPM Article on Masked Chafer Grubs in Turfgrass Explains Management Techniques