Gnorimoschema semicyclionella

Busck, 1903

Gnorimoschema semicyclionella is a small gelechiid described by August Busck in 1903. It is known from the western United States, with records from Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, and New Mexico. The is characterized by distinctive forewing patterning featuring chocolate brown semicircular markings on a white ground color sprinkled with minute black-tipped . Like other members of its , it likely has concealed larval habits, though specific plant associations remain undocumented.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gnorimoschema semicyclionella: /ˌnɔːrɪmoʊˈskɛmə ˌsɛmɪsɪkliˈnɛlə/

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Identification

The combination of white forewings with two chocolate brown semicircular costal spots—one large and well-defined before the middle, one smaller and less distinct following it—distinguishes this from other Gnorimoschema. The basal chocolate brown patch and the speckled appearance from minute black-tipped further separate it from . The specific epithet "semicyclionella" refers to the semicircular wing markings.

Appearance

A small with wingspan 12–14 mm. Forewings white with faint reddish tint, thickly sprinkled with minute bluish black atoms with black-tipped . Near wing base is a clear light chocolate brown patch. Before middle of wing is a large chocolate brown semicircular costal spot reaching over the fold, edged with lighter brown and white below and pure white toward basal area. Following this is a smaller, less well-defined semicircular brown costal spot. Toward wing tip in middle of wing is an obscure brown patch. Hindwings light silvery grey, darker along and toward tip.

Distribution

Western United States: recorded from Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, and New Mexico. GBIF distribution records also indicate presence in California.

Similar Taxa

Other Gnorimoschema speciesMany share similar size and general wing pattern, but differ in specific configuration and shape of brown forewing markings; precise spot arrangement and presence of two semicircular costal spots are diagnostic for G. semicyclionella

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet "semicyclionella" derives from the semicircular (semi-cyclical) markings on the forewings, a distinctive feature noted in the original description.