Chionodes

Hübner, [1825]

Species Guides

Chionodes is a large, globally distributed of small in the Gelechiidae. The genus comprises over 150 described , many of which are grouped into based on morphological similarities and associations. Larvae of numerous species are associated with coniferous trees, particularly Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), though host plant relationships vary considerably across the genus. The Nearctic obscurusella species-group includes species feeding on Acer, Quercus, and Salix.

Chionodes xanthophilella by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.

Chionodes figurella by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chionodes: //kaɪoʊˈnoʊdiːz//

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

Identification

identification within Chionodes typically requires examination of male and female genitalia; external alone is often insufficient for reliable determination. are defined by shared genitalic characters and, in some cases, plant associations. The obscurusella group can be distinguished from other Nearctic Chionodes by genitalic features detailed in taxonomic keys.

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Distribution

Distributed throughout much of the world including the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Neotropical regions. Documented from North America (including British Columbia, Vermont), Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Poland), and South America (Chile, Ecuador).

Host Associations

Pseudotsuga menziesii - larval Douglas fir; used by larvae of many
Acer - larval Three in obscurusella group; includes Chionodes acerella on Acer sp.
Quercus - larval Two in obscurusella group
Salix - larval One in obscurusella group; includes Chionodes salicella on Salix sp.

Similar Taxa

Other Gelechiidae generaChionodes shares -level characteristics with other gelechiid moths; distinguished by genitalic and, in some -groups, plant associations.

More Details

Species diversity

The contains over 150 described , with many species described by Hodges (1999) in his revision of North American Gelechiidae. Species are organized into numerous morphologically defined species-groups and complexes.

Taxonomic history

Major revisions include Huemer & Sattler (1995) for the Palearctic fauna and Hodges (1999) for the Nearctic fauna. These works established the current -group classification system based on genitalic characters.