Dichomeris isa
Hodges, 1986
Dichomeris isa is a small in the , described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1986. It occurs across a broad swath of eastern and central North America, from Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. The has a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. Like other members of the Dichomeris, its likely feed on goldenrods (Solidago), though specific records for this species have not been documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dichomeris isa: //daɪˈkoʊmɛrɪs ˈaɪsə//
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Identification
Small size (13 mm wingspan) distinguishes it from larger . Geographic range across eastern North America may help separate it from western . Specific diagnostic characters for distinguishing D. isa from similar Dichomeris have not been published.
Images
Appearance
A small with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources. The are narrow and elongated, typical of the Gelechiidae.
Habitat
Likely associated with goldenrod-dominated given the -level association with Solidago, though specific habitat requirements for D. isa remain undocumented.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America: recorded from Ontario, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
Host Associations
- Solidago - probable larval based on -level patternsOther Dichomeris are documented feeding on goldenrods; specific records for D. isa have not been published
Similar Taxa
- Dichomeris leuconotellaCongeneric with similar and likely similar biology; D. leuconotella is documented feeding on goldenrods and constructing leaf-fold shelters
- Other small GelechiidaeSimilar size and general appearance; identification to level requires examination of or other subtle characters
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- At Bohart Museum of Entomology: It Took Gall to Make a Ghost | Bug Squad
- Aspiring for Better Pollination | Bug Squad
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- Adaptive trade‐offs of leaf folding in Dichomeris caterpillars on goldenrods