Aristotelia salicifungiella
(Clemens, 1864)
Aristotelia salicifungiella is a small in the Gelechiidae, first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1865. The is characterized by distinctive red forewings with complex whitish and dark fuscous patterning. It occurs in scattered locations across North America including California, Illinois, Ohio, and Ontario. Like other members of its , it is a "twirler moth" with larvae that specialize on particular plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aristotelia salicifungiella: //ˌæɹɪstoʊˈtiːliə ˌsælɪsɪfʌŋˈɡiːɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Aristotelia by the specific pattern of red forewings with curved whitish basal band, dark brownish-red curved band exterior to it, and three small white costal spots. The combination of red ground color with complex whitish and dark fuscous patterning is diagnostic. Examination of genitalia may be required for definitive identification from .
Appearance
Small with forewings that are red with irregular whitish markings. Near the wing base, a whitish band curves across the fold to the middle of the wing, powdered with dark fuscous; the area beneath this fold is tinged reddish and sometimes pale brownish. Exterior to this band is a dark brownish-red curved band that does not cross the fold. Three small white spots occur on the : one near the tip, one at about the middle, and one exterior to the brownish-red band. The wing margin is powdered with dark fuscous. Hindwings are dark grey.
Distribution
Recorded from California, Illinois, Ohio, and Ontario in North America.
Similar Taxa
- Aristotelia elegantellaAnother twirler moth in the same with bold markings, but distinguished by different wing pattern details
- Other Aristotelia speciesMany in this share small size and bold patterning; genitalia examination often required for definitive identification