Faculta synthetica

(Walsingham, 1911)

Faculta synthetica is a small in the , described by Walsingham in 1911. It is known from a single locality in Sonora, Mexico. The has a wingspan of 11–12 mm and exhibits distinctive blackish with purplish tinge, ochreous markings, and complex spotting patterns. Very little is known about its biology beyond the original description.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Faculta synthetica: //fəˈkʌl.tə sɪnˈθɛt.ɪkə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Faculta by the specific arrangement of five black spots on , each with associated ochreous scaling, and the narrow ochreous subcostal from base to first spot. The triangular spot at end of with ochreous inner edge and the short curved ochreous costal streak preceding the are diagnostic. The purplish tinge to the blackish ground color and leaden grey with bronzy brownish margins further separate it from .

Appearance

Small with wingspan 11–12 mm. blackish with slight purplish tinge and minute hoary speckling. Five principal black spots, each with associated brownish-ochreous : first spot on at one-fourth, oblique, with narrow ochreous subcostal from base; second spot nearer base on upper edge of fold; third spot in fold before half length, with ochreous scales preceding and following, almost connected with discal spot above; fourth triangular black spot at end of with ochreous scales along inner edge; fifth represented by short curved ochreous streak beyond cell. pale brownish cinereous dusted with fuscous. leaden grey, blending to bronzy brownish outward, especially toward margins.

Distribution

Known only from Sonora, Mexico. No additional locality records have been published.

Similar Taxa

Faculta inaequalisSimilar and size, but F. inaequalis has different pattern without the distinctive five-spot arrangement and ochreous markings of F. synthetica; occurs in Arizona and California on Palo Verde

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Lord Walsingham in 1911 based on material from Sonora, Mexico. The epithet 'synthetica' refers to the synthetic or constructed appearance of the pattern.

Known specimens

The is known from very few specimens; iNaturalist records 12 observations as of the knowledge cutoff, though verification of these identifications would require expert examination.