Nealyda bifidella

Distinguished from similar gelechiids by the combination of: sharply defined dark brown fascia at two-fifths with silvery-white external edging; large dark brown costal patch beyond middle; and extreme costal darkening from base to fascia. The equidistant positioning of the fascia from the base at both costal and dorsal extremities is a notable diagnostic feature. Size (9.5 mm wingspan) is smaller than many related gelechiids.

Small moth with wingspan approximately 9.5 mm. Forewings pale brown with golden tinge, featuring a sharply defined dark brown fascia at two-fifths distance from base, equidistant from base at costal and dorsal margins, edged externally by a line of silvery white; fascia passes gradually into ground color toward base. Extreme costa from base to fascia dark brown. Large dark brown costal patch of scales positioned beyond middle of wing. Hindwings pale cinerous (ash-gray).

Recorded from North America: Colorado, California, Arizona, and North Carolina. Disjunct western and eastern distribution pattern suggests possible broader range or cryptic population structure.

• Other Nealyda speciesCongeneric species may share general wing pattern elements but differ in specific placement and definition of fasciae and costal markings; precise measurement of fascia position and edging characteristics required for separation.
• Other AnomologinaeSubfamily members often exhibit similar small size and fasciate forewing patterns; N. bifidella distinguished by the specific combination of silvery-white fascia edging, large postmedial costal patch, and extreme costal darkening.

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