Neotelphusa praefixa
(Braun, 1921)
Neotelphusa praefixa is a small gelechiid described by Braun in 1921. It is characterized by distinctive wing patterning with pale fasciae, raised patches, and dark fuscous ground color. The is distributed across northern and western North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neotelphusa praefixa: /ˌniː.oʊˈtɛl.fjuː.sə preɪˈfɪksə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar gelechiid moths by the combination of: oblique pale fascia from bordered by heavy black line; raised black and whitish patches below fold and on fold beyond fascia; irregular transverse pale fascia at three-fourths with inward basal projection; and small raised black scale patch at inner edge of projection. The specific pattern of raised scale patches is diagnostic.
Images
Distribution
North America: recorded from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan (Canada); Maine and Montana (United States).
Similar Taxa
- Other Neotelphusa speciesSimilar size and general wing shape; N. praefixa distinguished by specific pattern of pale fasciae and raised patches described by Braun.
- Telphusa speciesFormerly classified in Telphusa; N. praefixa separated by wing pattern characters and genitalic (implied by generic reclassification).
More Details
Original description
First described as Telphusa praefixa by Annette Frances Braun in 1921, later transferred to Neotelphusa.