Dichomeris delotella

Distinguished from similar Dichomeris species by the combination of: broad triangular blackish patch on forewing arising from dorsum and crossing fold; small black dot in fold at one-fifth; angular whitish spot at outer end of cell; and the distinctive costal spotting pattern of alternating fuscous and pale fawn-ochreous. The ill-defined lower portion of the triangular patch versus clearer upper definition is a notable feature. Size range and overall fawn-grey ground color with ochreous speckling further aid recognition.

Small moth with wingspan 14–16 mm. Forewings fawn-grey, speckled with fawn-ochreous; basal fourth dull ochreous with fuscous sprinkling. Small black dot in fold at one-fifth, followed by broad triangular blackish patch arising from dorsum and extending outward across fold nearly to costa—ill-defined below fold, clearer above. Costa narrowly spotted with fuscous alternating with pale fawn-ochreous; slight pale spot on outer fourth of costa followed by series of ill-defined smaller spots around apex, termen, and tornus. Terminal area somewhat clouded with fuscous. Outer half of cell clouded with small angular whitish spot at its outer end. Hindwings brownish grey with slender subochreous line along base of cloudy brownish grey cilia.

Mexico (Sonora) and southern United States (Arizona, California).

Adults active March to September in Arizona; July to September in California.

• Solidago - possible larval hostfeeding relationship inferred from larval association, not confirmed
• Eupatorium - possible larval hostfeeding relationship inferred from larval association, not confirmed

• Other Dichomeris speciesSimilar small size and wing patterns; D. delotella distinguished by specific forewing markings including triangular blackish patch, cell spot, and costal spotting pattern.

• Gelechiidae
• microlepidoptera
• North America
• desert fauna
• nocturnal

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life