Aristotelia pudibundella
(Zeller, 1873)
Aristotelia pudibundella is a small in the twirler moth Gelechiidae, described by Zeller in 1873. The occurs across the southeastern and central United States, with additional records from Haiti, St. Croix, and Quebec. can be distinguished from the similar Aristotelia roseosuffusella by their reduced or absent roseate coloration on the forewings and specific banding patterns. Larvae feed on Malus species and Acacia farnesiana.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aristotelia pudibundella: //ˌæ.rɪs.toʊˈtiː.li.ə ˌpjuː.dɪˈbʌn.dɛl.ə//
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Identification
Distinguished from Aristotelia roseosuffusella by: (1) forewings much less roseate, often lacking roseate tinge entirely; (2) first dark band not covering wing base; (3) third band extending fully across wing with portion paler than costal; (4) costo- area ochreous-fuscous rather than roseate. Genitalia examination may be required for definitive identification from other Aristotelia .
Distribution
Haiti; St. Croix; United States (Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas); Canada (Quebec).
Diet
Larvae feed on Malus (apple) and Acacia farnesiana (sweet acacia). feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Malus - larval food plant of apple trees
- Acacia farnesiana - larval food plantsweet acacia
Similar Taxa
- Aristotelia roseosuffusellaSimilar overall appearance but distinguished by roseate forewing coloration, first band covering wing base, and different third band pattern
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Gelechia pudibundella by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1873, later transferred to Aristotelia.