Monochroa placidella
(Zeller, 1874)
Monochroa placidella is a gelechiid described by Zeller in 1874. It is characterized by its distinctive saffron-yellow forewings with dark fuscous hindwings. The occurs in western North America from British Columbia to Arizona.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Monochroa placidella: //məˈnɒkroʊə plæsɪˈdɛlə//
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Identification
The combination of saffron-yellow forewings with dark fuscous hindwings distinguishes this from most other small gelechiids. The black line before the cilia is a key diagnostic feature. The gradual darkening of forewing color from base to apex, rather than uniform coloration or distinct pattern elements, further aids identification. Similar yellow-winged species in Gelechiidae typically lack the contrasting dark hindwings.
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 15–16 mm. Forewings are rich saffron yellow, palest at the base and deepening toward the apex. A faint light ochreous costal streak appears at the third, with inconspicuous light dashes along the costal and edges in the same region. A prominent narrow black line precedes the cilia around the extreme apical edge. Hindwings are uniformly dark fuscous.
Distribution
Recorded from western North America: California, Washington, Arizona (United States), and British Columbia (Canada).