Sriferia cockerella
(Busck, 1903)
Sriferia cockerella is a small gelechiid described by August Busck in 1903. It is characterized by striking wing coloration with a sharp diagonal boundary between yellow and dark brown forewing areas, marked by three metallic golden spots. The occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sriferia cockerella: //sraɪˈfɪəriə ˌkɒkəˈrɛlə//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar gelechiids by the sharply defined diagonal color boundary on forewings and the three metallic golden spots with black edging. The combination of yellow basal area, dark area, and metallic spotting is distinctive within Sriferia. Size and southwestern U.S. distribution further aid identification.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan 11.5–12.5 mm. Forewings with distinct color pattern: basal two-thirds light yellow, third dark purplish brown. Color boundary forms straight diagonal line from costal cilia to apical two-fifths of edge, with yellow extending further at and brown further at dorsal edge. Three circular metallic golden spots edged with deep black positioned obliquely on this dividing line. Hindwings shining bluish black.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.
Distribution
Recorded from California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Sriferia belongs to the Gelechiinae within Gelechiidae, a large of small commonly known as twirler moths.