Neopalpa neonata

Povolný, 1998

Neopalpa neonata is a small in the Gelechiidae, described by Povolný in 1998. It is one of only two in the Neopalpa, which is restricted to the southwestern North American desert region. The species has been recorded from California, Arizona, and western Mexico. Its , Neopalpa donaldtrumpi, was described in 2017 and shares the same general distribution.

Neopalpa species pair by Vazrick Nazari. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Last abdominal segment of male Neopalpa species by Vazrick Nazari. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Neopalpa neonata adult male from San Bernardino County by Vazrick Nazari. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neopalpa neonata: //niː.oʊˈpælpə ˌniː.oʊˈneɪtə//

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Identification

Distinguished from its Neopalpa donaldtrumpi by the absence of yellowish-white on the ; N. donaldtrumpi possesses distinct yellowish-white cephalic scales that create a tufted appearance. Both are extremely small, with wingspans under one centimeter.

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Habitat

Desert environments, specifically sand dune systems and associated washes in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Distribution

Southwestern North America: recorded throughout most of California and Arizona in the United States, and the westernmost regions of northern Mexico (Baja California).

Similar Taxa

  • Neopalpa donaldtrumpiCongeneric sharing the same geographic range and ; distinguished by the presence of yellowish-white in N. donaldtrumpi versus their absence in N. neonata.

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Sources and further reading