Scodes
Hodges, 1986
Species Guides
1Scodes is a of gelechiid moths described by Hodges in 1986. The single , Scodes deflecta, is known only from Arizona, United States. are active in September and have a distinctive wing pattern of white ground color overlaid with ocherous, fuscous, and blackish . The larvae feed on Gossypium thurberi (wild cotton).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scodes: /ˈskoʊ.diz/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar gelechiid moths by combination of: white forewing ground color with heavy mottled overlay, large round blackish first discal spot, small black dot at end, and longitudinal blackish-fuscous lines ending in spots. The relatively unmottled central wing area contrasts with heavily patterned margins.
Appearance
Wingspan approximately 23 mm. Forewings white with heavy overlay of light ocherous, fuscous, and blackish ; central portion of wing relatively unmottled. Large round blackish first discal spot present, with small black dot at end of . Flexus marked by few black scales. indicated by longitudinal blackish-fuscous lines terminating in series of spots along wing edge. Hindwings ocherous fuscous.
Habitat
Associated with plant Gossypium thurberi; specific requirements otherwise undocumented.
Distribution
United States: recorded from Arizona only.
Seasonality
recorded on wing in September.
Diet
Larvae feed on Gossypium thurberi (wild cotton). feeding habits unknown.
Host Associations
- Gossypium thurberi - larval food plantWild cotton; sole documented
Life Cycle
Larval stage feeds on Gossypium thurberi. and other developmental stages undocumented.
Ecological Role
Herbivore as larva; specific role otherwise undocumented.
More Details
Taxonomic status
; Scodes deflecta is the sole .
Observation frequency
Extremely rarely encountered; only 3 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of source date.