Gnorimoschema triocellella

(Chambers, 1877)

A small described by V.T. Chambers in 1877, characterized by three distinctive ocellated spots on the . The is known from scattered records across North America including Alberta, Colorado, Wyoming, Maine, and Kentucky. Its specific epithet 'triocellella' directly references the three -like markings that serve as identification features.

Gnorimoschema triocellella by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.

Gnorimoschema triocellella P1520169a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Gnorimoschema triocellella P1520159a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gnorimoschema triocellella: //nɔːrɪmoʊˈskɛmə traɪoʊˈsɛlə//

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Gnorimoschema by the precise arrangement of three ocellated spots—one discal, one post-discal, and one on the fold. The ocherous coloration with pupils, combined with the small near the , separates it from with different spot patterns or coloration. The 'triocellella' (three little ) provides a mnemonic for this diagnostic pattern.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan approximately 12 mm. bear three ocellated (-like) spots: one on the disc, one at the end of the disc, and one on the fold. Each spot is ocherous with a pupil. A small ocherous is present near the . are pale grayish with a slight fuscous tinge.

Distribution

Recorded from Alberta, Colorado, Wyoming, Maine, and Kentucky in North America. Distribution appears disjunct with records from both western and eastern regions of the continent.

Similar Taxa

Other Gnorimoschema speciesMany share similar size and general pattern, but differ in number, position, or coloration of spots; G. triocellella is specifically diagnosed by the three ocellated spots in the described positions

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'triocellella' derives from Latin 'tri-' (three) and '' (little ), directly referencing the three distinctive eye-like spots on the .