Untomia albistrigella
(Chambers, 1872)
Untomia albistrigella is a small in the Gelechiidae, described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1872. The is widespread in eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. display distinctive wing patterning with a characteristic white costal streak. The species is relatively well-documented, with over 1,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Untomia albistrigella: //ʌnˈtoʊmiə ˌælbɪstrɪˈɡɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The oblique white costal streak near the forewing apex is the most reliable field mark for distinguishing this from other Untomia. The faint iridescent sheen (purple, green, or bronze) on the dark brown ground color may be visible under magnification or certain lighting conditions. The combination of pale fuscous cilia with a dark brown pre- line separates it from similar dark gelechiids with plain cilia.
Appearance
are small with forewings that appear dark brown, with coloration that shifts subtly under different lighting to show faint purple, green, or bronze tints. A small oblique white streak is present on the just before the wing apex. The apex contains a few indistinct whitish or small spots near the cilia. The cilia are pale fuscous with a dark brown hindmarginal line positioned before their middle.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America. Recorded from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
Similar Taxa
- Other Untomia speciesCongeneric share general body plan and size; U. albistrigella is distinguished by the specific pattern of the white costal streak and spotting.
- Unidentified dark GelechiidaeMany small gelechiids are dark brown with indistinct markings; the presence of the oblique white costal streak and the structured cilia pattern are diagnostic for this .