Prolita pagella
(Hodges, 1966)
Prolita pagella is a gelechiid described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1966. It is known from western North American arid and semi-arid regions including Arizona, California, Wyoming, and Colorado. The has a relatively small wingspan of 17–19 mm and exhibits characteristic orange-brown forewings with variable brown shading.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Prolita pagella: //proʊˈlaɪtə pəˈdʒɛlə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Prolita by the combination of orange-brown forewings with variable brown shading and the specific western North American distribution. The dark-veined fuscous hindwings are characteristic of the . Precise identification may require genitalia examination or molecular analysis.
Appearance
Small with wingspan 17–19 mm. Forewings orange brown with varying shades of brown patterning. Hindwings fuscous (dusky brown-gray) with dark visible.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Specific microhabitat preferences have not been documented.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, California, Wyoming, and Colorado in the United States.
Similar Taxa
- Other Prolita speciesMany Prolita share similar size, wing patterns, and preferences in western North America, requiring careful examination for differentiation.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Prolita contains numerous small, similar-appearing primarily distributed in arid western North America. Many were described by Hodges in the mid-20th century based on subtle morphological differences.