Exoteleia graphicella

Distinguished from similar Exoteleia species by the specific arrangement of black raised scale tufts within the outer brown fascia—four tufts arranged in two pairs. The nearly straight-edged, perpendicular orientation of both brown fasciae to the wing margin, combined with the black costal base and the relative width difference between the two fasciae (outer nearly twice as broad as inner), provides diagnostic characters. The overall white ground color with contrasting brown bands separates it from more uniformly colored gelechiids.

Small moth with wingspan approximately 13 mm. Forewings white with two broad transverse brown fasciae: one near the wing base, the other at mid-wing and nearly twice as broad. Both fasciae are nearly straight-edged and perpendicular to the wing edge, with the outer fascia slightly concave exteriorly. Black raised scales present in both fasciae; in the outer fascia these form four small tufts (one pair at the basal edge, one pair near the apical edge). Extreme base of costa black. Wing tip suffused with light brown and fuscous scales. Hindwings whitish fuscous.

Recorded from California, United States. Distribution appears restricted to this region based on available records.

• Other Exoteleia speciesShare genus-level characteristics of wing patterning with transverse fasciae, but differ in specific arrangement and number of black scale tufts, fascia width ratios, and exact positioning of markings.

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• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life