Helcystogramma melantherella
(Busck, 1900)
A small gelechiid described by August Busck in 1900. have distinctive dark, lustrous forewings with contrasting pale markings. Larvae feed on several plant including Melanthera nivea, the plant referenced in the species epithet. The species occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Helcystogramma melantherella: //hɛlkɪstoʊˈɡræmə mɛˌlænθəˈrɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Dark, lustrous forewings with specific pattern of white-edged black markings distinguish this from other small gelechiids. The combination of streak, dot, and pale fascia with yellowish costal streak is diagnostic. Similar in Helcystogramma lack this exact marking arrangement.
Appearance
Small with wingspan 12.5–13 mm. Forewings deep purplish brown, nearly black, with satin luster. Markings include: short black streak before middle near margin, edged with white anteriorly and posteriorly; small round black dot at end of , slightly edged posteriorly with white; narrow, scarcely perceptible outwardly angulated paler fascia at fourth, terminating in yellowish costal streak. Hindwings dark purplish grey.
Distribution
North America: recorded from North Carolina south to Florida, west to Texas and Arkansas.
Diet
Larvae feed on Calyptocarpus vialis, Cynara scolymnus, Melanthera nivea, and Xanthium strumarium. feeding habits unknown.
Host Associations
- Calyptocarpus vialis - larval food plant
- Cynara scolymnus - larval food plant
- Melanthera nivea - larval food plantreferenced in epithet
- Xanthium strumarium - larval food plant
Similar Taxa
- Other Helcystogramma speciesSimilar size and general appearance, but differ in specific forewing pattern elements
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet melantherella refers to the larval plant Melanthera.
Taxonomic history
Described by August Busck in 1900.