Aroga paulella
(Busck, 1903)
Aroga paulella is a small gelechiid native to western and central North America. The is characterized by distinctive white markings on dark brown forewings, including a white edge and two sharply defined white fasciae. It has been documented from seven U.S. states across an arid to semi-arid range.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aroga paulella: /əˈroʊɡə pɔːˈlɛlə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Aroga by the combination of: (1) entire edge white (not interrupted), (2) first white fascia sharply defined and outwardly directed from , (3) second fascia narrower and nearly perpendicular to costa at fourth, and (4) upward projection of dorsal white at apical third crossing the fold. The dark blackish brown ground color with shining luster separates it from duller brown .
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern and central United States. Specific microhabitat preferences are undocumented, but occurrence in suburban settings with blacklight attraction suggests adaptability to open, dry landscapes.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming. Distribution centered in the southwestern U.S. with eastern extensions to Kansas and northward to Wyoming.
Seasonality
activity period not precisely documented; at least one record from late July in Kansas suggests summer period. Specific unknown.
Behavior
attracted to ultraviolet light sources. No other documented .
Similar Taxa
- Arogalea cristifasciellaStripe-backed Moth in same ; A. paulella distinguished by perpendicular (not angled) fascia and more extensive white marking
- Other Aroga speciesMany share white fasciae patterns; A. paulella unique in combination of entire white edge, two perpendicular/outward-directed fasciae, and shining dark brown ground color