Filatima loowita
Adamski, 2009
Filatima loowita is a described by Adamski in 2009. The is to Washington state in the United States, where it is associated with volcanic landscapes near Mount St. Helens. Its name derives from Loowit, the name for this volcano. The species is notable for its specialized larval feeding on Lupinus lepidus, with distinct early and late behaviors.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Filatima loowita: /fɪˈlæ.tɪ.mə luːˈwiː.tə/
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Identification
distinguished from other Filatima by the combination of pale gray with dark gray-tipped and grayish orange scale accents, combined with the small size range and known Washington state distribution. identified by association with Lupinus lepidus, smooth pale grayish green body, and dark reddish ; early are leaf-miners while later instars construct external silken feeding tunnels incorporating whole leaflets.
Habitat
Associated with volcanic landscapes in the vicinity of Mount St. Helens, Washington. includes areas supporting stands of the larval Lupinus lepidus.
Distribution
United States: Washington state. Records are specifically from the Mount St. Helens area.
Diet
feed exclusively on Lupinus lepidus (Fabaceae).
Host Associations
- Lupinus lepidus - larval Fabaceae; young mine leaves, older larvae feed externally in silken tunnels incorporating entire leaflets and leaves
Life Cycle
Larval development includes two distinct behavioral phases: early are leaf-miners, feeding within leaf tissue; later instars exit mines and construct silken feeding tunnels that incorporate entire leaflets and leaves. Specific details regarding , pupal, and periods are not documented.
Behavior
Larval feeding changes with development: young mine leaves, while older larvae abandon mines to feed externally within constructed silken tunnels.
Ecological Role
specializing on Lupinus lepidus; likely contributes to in early successional volcanic landscapes through leaf consumption and processing.
Human Relevance
Named for cultural significance of Mount St. Helens (Loowit). No documented economic or agricultural importance.
Similar Taxa
- Other Filatima speciesDistinguished by the specific combination of coloration (pale gray with dark gray-tipped and grayish orange ), small size, and restricted geographic distribution to Mount St. Helens area; most occur in different regions or show different patterns
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet loowita is derived from Loowit, the name used by peoples of the Pacific Northwest for Mount St. Helens, reflecting the ' locality near this volcano.
Conservation context
The ' association with volcanic landscapes and specific Lupinus lepidus in early successional may make it vulnerable to habitat changes; however, formal status has not been assessed.