Stereomita
Braun, 1922
Stereomita is a of microlepidopteran in the , Aristoteliinae. The genus contains at least one described , Stereomita andropogonis, which is distributed across eastern North America. Members are characterized by small size and distinctive patterning.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stereomita: /stɛrioʊˈmaɪtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar by combination of small size (8.5–9.5 mm wingspan), pale ochreous ground color with dense dark marginal scaling, and characteristic pattern of two diffuse oblique streaks at two-thirds of . Transverse brownish spot in opposite provides additional diagnostic feature.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 8.5–9.5 mm. pale ochreous, deepening toward , dusted with dark —densest on and margins with tendency toward longitudinal streaking. At two-thirds of , dusting typically forms two diffuse oblique streaks. Along , series of indistinct brownish dots present; opposite extreme apex in , a transverse brownish spot. pale brown.
Habitat
Associated with grassland and prairie , inferred from relationships.
Distribution
Eastern North America, with records spanning most of the region.
Host Associations
- Andropogon - larval name 'andropogonis' indicates association with this grass genus
Similar Taxa
- Other Aristoteliinae generaSimilar small size and shape; Stereomita distinguished by specific pattern elements including paired oblique streaks and marginal spot in
More Details
Etymology
The included epithet 'andropogonis' derives from the grass Andropogon, indicating larval association.
Taxonomic history
established by Braun in 1922; remains or poorly known with only S. andropogonis definitively assigned.