Aristotelia bifasciella

Busck, 1903

Aristotelia bifasciella is a small in the moth , described by August Busck in 1903. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically California, Arizona, and Utah. The is distinguished by its distinctive pattern featuring two dark transverse on a pale yellowish- background. Like other members of the Aristotelia, it is attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night.

Aristotelia bifasciella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Aristotelia bifasciella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Aristotelia bifasciella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aristotelia bifasciella: /ˌæɹɪstəˈtɛliə ˌbaɪfæsiˈɛlə/

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Identification

The are dirty yellowish with two conspicuous dark that provide the basis for the name 'bifasciella' (two-banded). The first fascia runs obliquely from the third of the to the middle of the edge; the second is broader, nearly perpendicular to the edge at the third, and shaded with lighter yellowish brown toward the dorsal edge. A dark brown costal spot appears just before the , continuing across the in a very light yellowish area. The extreme base of the costa is blackish brown. are light fuscous. Wingspan measures 14–16 mm.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from California, Arizona, and Utah in the southwestern United States.

Behavior

are and attracted to blacklights and other ultraviolet light sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Aristotelia elegantellaAnother small Aristotelia with bold markings; A. bifasciella is distinguished by its two prominent dark rather than other pattern elements
  • Aristotelia sp.Other undescribed or similar in the ; precise identification requires examination of the characteristic two-banded pattern and specific measurements

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Sources and further reading