Aroga compositella
(Walker, 1864)
Six-spotted Aroga Moth, six-spotted aroga
Aroga compositella is a small gelechiid with distinctive white markings on dark forewings. The occurs across much of the eastern and central United States. are and attracted to light.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aroga compositella: /əˈroʊɡə ˌkɒmpəˈsɪtɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Aroga by the specific arrangement of five white forewing markings: the oblique basal costal streak reaching the fold, the elliptical central spot, the angulate costal spot at cilia base, the opposing spot, and the small fold dot below the central spot. The combination of deep purplish black ground color with pure white (not cream or yellowish) markings is diagnostic.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan 15–16 mm. Forewings deep purplish black with five pure white markings: an outwardly oblique costal streak near the base reaching the fold, an elliptical spot on the middle of the wing, an angulate costal spot at the beginning of the cilia, an opposite small spot, and a small dot on the fold below and forward of the central spot. A few single white present just before the apex. Hindwings dark fuscous.
Distribution
United States: recorded from Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Behavior
are and have been observed at ultraviolet light sources.
Human Relevance
Subject of citizen science observation during National Week events.
Similar Taxa
- Aroga unifasciellaSimilar size and dark coloration, but lacks the multiple distinct white spots of A. compositella; typically has a single prominent fascia.
- Arogalea cristifasciellaFormerly confused in older literature; belongs to related Arogalea, distinguished by different wing pattern and genitalia.