Prolita princeps
(Busck, 1910)
Prolita princeps is a small in the Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1910. It is found in western North America, with records from California, Washington, Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, and British Columbia. The wingspan ranges from 16.5 to 20 mm. The is characterized by distinctive patterns on the forewings, with buff white and brown coloration.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Prolita princeps: //proʊˈliːtə ˈprɪnsɛps//
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Identification
The combination of buff white and brown-tipped on the forewings, particularly the pale yellow scales dorsad of the medial brown streak, distinguishes this from similar Prolita species. The specific pattern of scale coloration on the costal margin and outer margin provides diagnostic characters. The fuscous hindwings with darker are typical for the but help separate it from gelechiids with more contrasting wing patterns.
Distribution
North America: recorded from California, Washington, Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, and British Columbia. The appears to be restricted to western regions of the continent.
Similar Taxa
- Other Prolita speciesSimilar size, wing shape, and general gelechiid ; distinguished by specific coloration patterns on forewings, particularly the arrangement of buff white, brown-tipped, and pale yellow scales
- General GelechiidaeSmall size and narrow wings typical of ; distinguished by the detailed patterning described for this