Dichomeris bilobella
(Zeller, 1873)
Bilobed Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris bilobella is a small gelechiid with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. It occurs across eastern and central North America from Nova Scotia to eastern Kansas. are active from May through August. The larvae are leaf-feeders on goldenrods (Solidago) and asters (Aster).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dichomeris bilobella: /dɪˈkoʊmɛrɪs baɪloʊˈbɛlə/
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Identification
Wingspan approximately 15 mm. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing D. bilobella from are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Associated with supporting plants in the Solidago and Aster, which typically include open fields, meadows, forest edges, and disturbed areas.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America: recorded from Nova Scotia, southern Quebec, and southern Ontario south to Maryland, west to Minnesota, Missouri, and eastern Kansas. Also recorded from Alberta, Canada.
Seasonality
on wing from May to August.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of Solidago (including Solidago flexicaulis) and Aster species. diet not documented.
Host Associations
- Solidago - larval food plantleaf-feeder
- Solidago flexicaulis - larval food plantleaf-feeder
- Aster - larval food plantleaf-feeder
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Gelechia bilobella by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1873; later transferred to Dichomeris.