Chionodes abdominella
(Busck, 1903)
Chionodes abdominella is a small gelechiid with a wingspan of 9–10 mm, found in the southwestern United States. The is characterized by distinctive black and white forewing patterning with triangular costal markings. It has been recorded from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chionodes abdominella: //kiːˈɒnoʊdiːz æbˌdɒmɪˈnɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Chionodes by the combination of: large black triangular costal spot before middle of forewing with tip extending beyond fold; white central dot on within this spot; two-fifths of forewing black with paired triangular white spots at cilia base that nearly meet; and two upward white projections flanking the costal black spot. The small size (9–10 mm wingspan) and southwestern U.S. range further aid identification.
Appearance
Small with wingspan 9–10 mm. Forewings black and white with complex pattern: extreme base of black; large black triangular costal spot before middle of wing with tip extending beyond fold and white central dot on costa; two-fifths black with costal and triangular white spots at beginning of cilia that nearly or quite meet with thinly extended tips; remaining area white with faint ochreous tint and two upward projections reaching costal edge on each side of costal black spot. Hindwings light silvery grey.
Distribution
Southwestern United States: recorded from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada.