Aroga morenella

(Busck, 1908)

Aroga morenella is a small gelechiid known from the southwestern United States. The was described by August Busck in 1908 based on specimens from California. It is distinguished by its dark forewings with prominent white longitudinal stripes, a pattern unique among North American Aroga species.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aroga morenella: /əˈroʊɡə mɔːˈrɛnəllə/

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Identification

The combination of dark purplish-brown forewings with two white longitudinal stripes distinguishes Aroga morenella from other North American gelechiid moths. The costal stripe is narrow and closely follows the wing edge, while the stripe is broader and extends to the tornus with a faint terminal spur. Similar dark Aroga lack this specific stripe pattern.

Distribution

Recorded from California and Arizona, United States. Distribution records in GBIF indicate presence in the US.

Behavior

; attracted to ultraviolet light sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Aroga unifasciellaSimilar dark forewing coloration but differs in having a single white fascia rather than two longitudinal stripes.
  • Other Aroga speciesMost lack the distinctive paired longitudinal white stripes; some have transverse bands or unmarked dark wings.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Gelechia morenella by August Busck in 1908; later transferred to Aroga.

Sources and further reading