Chionodes salicella
Sattler, 1967
Chionodes salicella is a small gelechiid described by Sattler in 1967 from the Nearctic obscurusella group. It is associated with willow (Salix) as a larval plant. The occurs in western North America from British Columbia southward to California and eastward to Montana.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chionodes salicella: /kaɪˈoʊniːˌdiːz sælɪˈsɛlə/
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Identification
Chionodes salicella can be distinguished from other Nearctic Chionodes by examination of male and female genitalia; the original description and accompanying figures provide the definitive diagnostic characters. It belongs to the obscurusella species group, which contains six Nearctic species with distinct plant associations.
Distribution
British Columbia to California and Montana in western North America.
Diet
Larvae feed on Salix and Alnus .
Host Associations
- Salix - larval plantExplicitly stated as in original description.
- Alnus - larval plantReported in secondary sources; original description specifies Salix only.
Similar Taxa
- Chionodes acerellaDescribed in the same paper as a new from British Columbia; distinguished by plant (Acer) and genitalia.
- Other obscurusella group speciesSix Nearctic in this group share similar general ; reliable identification requires genitalia examination and knowledge of plant.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described as a new by K. Sattler in 1967 based on specimens from British Columbia. The specific epithet salicella refers to its association with Salix (willow).