Agnippe abdita
(Braun, 1925)
Agnippe abdita is a small gelechiid with a wingspan of 8.5–9 mm, recorded from Utah, Arizona, and California. are active in March. The larvae feed on Cercocarpus ledifolius and Cercocarpus montanus, with larval presence varying by region: March in southern California, June in eastern California and Utah.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agnippe abdita: /æɡˈnɪpeɪ æbˈdɪtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar gelechiids by the specific pattern of dusting on forewings: defined lightly dusted areas contrasting with heavily dusted blackish regions, the irregular stripe with its characteristic lobes, and the black patches below the fold near the dorsal stripe lobes. Small size (8.5–9 mm wingspan) and silvery hindwings also aid identification.
Appearance
Small with wingspan 8.5–9 mm. Forewings white dusted with dark fuscous, with defined lightly dusted markings contrasting against heavily dusted blackish areas. stripe runs irregularly from base to tornus, sending blunt lobe to fold at basal third. Sharper lobe present before tornus, extending beyond as outwardly oblique whitish streak nearly meeting apex of outwardly oblique costal streak. Wing black below fold, just before and behind blunt lobe of dorsal stripe. Hindwings silvery.
Distribution
Recorded from Utah, Arizona, and California in western North America.
Seasonality
recorded on wing in March. Larvae found in March in southern California; in June in eastern California and Utah.
Diet
Larvae feed on Cercocarpus ledifolius and Cercocarpus montanus (mountain mahogany ).
Host Associations
- Cercocarpus ledifolius - larval food plant
- Cercocarpus montanus - larval food plant
Life Cycle
Larval development occurs in spring, with timing varying by latitude and elevation: March in southern California, June in eastern California and Utah. in March.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925.
Regional phenology
Larval timing shows clear geographic variation, with southern developing approximately three months earlier than those at higher latitudes/elevations.