Prolita invariabilis
(Kearfott, 1908)
Prolita invariabilis is a small gelechiid described by William D. Kearfott in 1908. It is distributed across the western United States, with records from Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and New Mexico. The has a wingspan of 18–22 mm and exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with brown, buff, and off-white markings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Prolita invariabilis: //prəˈlaɪtə ˌɪnvɛərɪˈæbɪlɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The combination of a broad pale buff band on the forewing, dark brown sinuous marking, and off-white fascia at three-fourths distinguishes this from similar Prolita. The fulvous coloration dorsad of the sinuous line and the specific pattern of brown, buff, and gray-brown scaling on the forewing are diagnostic. Hindwing venation darker than ground color provides additional confirmation.
Appearance
Wingspan 18–22 mm. Forewings with costal margin brown intermixed with buff from base to two-thirds. Broad pale buff band extends from near base to three-fourths, margined dorsally by off-white. Dark brown sinuous marking present; area dorsad of this line fulvous. Off-white fascia at three-fourths followed by mixture of dark brown, fulvous, and gray-brown . Hindwings pale fuscous with slightly darker.
Distribution
Western United States: recorded from Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and New Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Other Prolita speciesSimilar size and general gelechiid ; distinguished by specific forewing pattern elements including the pale buff band, sinuous dark marking, and off-white fascia at three-fourths.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by William D. Kearfott in 1908. The epithet 'invariabilis' suggests reference to consistent or unvarying characteristics, possibly alluding to the stability of its diagnostic wing pattern.