Aroga unifasciella

(Busck, 1903)

Aroga unifasciella is a small gelechiid found in western North America, ranging from Montana south to New Mexico and west through Arizona to California. are active from July to September. The is characterized by distinctive wing patterning with a white stripe and curved fascia on dark forewings.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aroga unifasciella: /əˈroʊɡə ˌjuː.nɪ.fæʃ.iˈɛ.lə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The combination of a white stripe along the lower forewing margin combined with a curved white fascia is distinctive within the Aroga. The bronzy-black ground color with bluish-white speckling further separates it from similar Aroga . The small size (18 mm wingspan) and western North American distribution help narrow identification.

Appearance

Small with wingspan approximately 18 mm. Forewings deep bronzy black with two prominent white markings: a stripe running from base to cilia below the fold, and a narrow inwardly curved fascia at the fourth. Black portions of forewing sprinkled with minute bluish-white . Hindwings shining light fuscous.

Distribution

Western North America: Montana south to western New Mexico, west through Arizona to eastern and southern California.

Seasonality

active July through September.

Behavior

are attracted to ultraviolet light sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Aroga cristifasciellaSimilar member with different wing pattern; lacks the distinctive curved fascia and stripe combination of A. unifasciella.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Gelechia unifasciella by Busck in 1903, later transferred to Aroga.

Sources and further reading