Epilechia
Busck, 1939
Species Guides
1- Epilechia catalinella(White Cross Moth)
Epilechia is a of gelechiid moths established by Busck in 1939. The genus is , containing only Epilechia catalinella, a distinguished by striking white markings on dark forewings. It occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epilechia: /ˌɛpɪˈlɛkiə/
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Identification
The sole , Epilechia catalinella, is identified by its distinctive wing pattern: uniform blackish-brown forewings with a purplish sheen and bold white markings including a white edge from base to tornus, an oblique costal streak at the basal third, a perpendicular transverse fascia at the third, and a curved costal streak before the apex. Wingspan approximately 20 mm. Hindwings dark blackish-fuscous with light silvery grey basal half of .
Images
Habitat
Arid regions; type locality is Catalina Springs, suggesting association with spring or oasis in desert environments.
Distribution
Mexico and the southern United States (Arizona and Texas).
More Details
Monotypic genus
Epilechia contains only a single described , Epilechia catalinella. No additional species have been assigned to this .
Etymology
The epithet catalinella refers to Catalina Springs, the type locality in Arizona.