Neodactylota snellenella
(Walsingham, 1888)
Neodactylota snellenella is a small gelechiid described by Walsingham in 1888. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. The exhibits distinctive forewing coloration with multicolored .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neodactylota snellenella: //ˌniːoʊˌdæktɪˈloʊtə ˌsnɛləˈnɛlə//
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Identification
Distinguished by small size (15.5–18 mm wingspan), forewings with mixed yellow, white, grey, buff, red brown and brown with brown-tipped scales, and hindwings showing orange iridescence. Specific separation from requires examination of genitalia or detailed scale patterns.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan 15.5–18 mm. Forewings covered in yellow, white, grey, buff, red brown and brown , often streaked with light or dark hues, with most scale tips brown. Hindwings fuscous with darker scale margins; scales shine orange at certain angles of light .
Distribution
Known from Arizona and Texas, United States. Records are sparse with only three iNaturalist observations documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Neodactylota speciesSimilar small gelechiid moths with patterned forewings; precise identification requires detailed examination of wing patterns and genitalia
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Lord Walsingham in 1888. The Neodactylota contains relatively few described , and this species remains poorly known with limited modern records.