Chionodes discoocellella
(Chambers, 1872)
Eye-ringed Chionodes Moth, Eyeringed Chionodes Moth
Chionodes discoocellella is a small gelechiid found across the eastern and central United States. The is distinguished by distinctive forewing markings including a yellowish-white discal spot with a black central dot. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the Polygonaceae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chionodes discoocellella: //kaɪˈoʊnəˌdiːz ˌdɪskoʊˌoʊsəˈlɛlə//
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 a yellowish-white discal spot with black central dot, black spot on fold, and ocherous-yellow spots. The roseate or purple tinge to the brown forewings provides additional differentiation.
Images
Appearance
Forewings brown with roseate or purple tinge, faintly streaked with ocherous along inner margin. Yellowish-white spot at end of disc containing black central dot; small black spot on fold; another black spot about middle of wing; several small ocherous-yellow spots around apex between nervules.
Distribution
United States: recorded from Maine to South Dakota, south to Florida and Texas, west to Colorado. Additional records from Vermont and California.
Diet
Larvae feed on Fallopia convolvulus, Persicaria chinensis, Persicaria pensylvanica, Persicaria punctata, and Rumex crispus ( Polygonaceae).
Host Associations
- Fallopia convolvulus - larval food plant
- Persicaria chinensis - larval food plant
- Persicaria pensylvanica - larval food plant
- Persicaria punctata - larval food plant
- Rumex crispus - larval food plant
Similar Taxa
- Other Chionodes speciesSimilar small brown gelechiid moths; C. discoocellella distinguished by specific forewing pattern with yellowish-white discal spot containing black dot