Sinoe robiniella
(Fitch, 1859)
Sinoe robiniella is a small gelechiid native to eastern North America. are active from spring through late summer, with timing varying by latitude. The is specialized on leguminous plants, with larvae feeding on black locust and related species. It was originally described as Anacampsis robiniella by Asa Fitch in 1859.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sinoe robiniella: //ˈsaɪni oʊ ˌroʊbɪˈniɛlə//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar small gelechiids by combination of size (wingspan under 12 mm), geographic range in eastern North America, and association with Robinia, Amorpha, or Gleditsia plants. Specific diagnostic morphological features not documented in available sources.
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 9–11.4 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with supporting its plants: black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), false indigo (Amorpha fruticosa), and honey locust (Gleditsia ). These include deciduous woodlands, forest edges, riparian corridors, and disturbed areas where host legumes occur.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America. Recorded from New York west to Indiana, south to Mississippi and Arkansas. Distribution records also include Canada.
Seasonality
active from late April to September in southern part of range; from late May to August in northern part. Extended period suggests possible multiple , though this has not been confirmed.
Diet
Larval stage feeds on Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), Amorpha fruticosa (false indigo), and Gleditsia (honey locust). diet not documented.
Host Associations
- Robinia pseudoacacia - larval food plantblack locust
- Amorpha fruticosa - larval food plantfalse indigo
- Gleditsia - larval food planthoney locust; not specified
Ecological Role
Herbivore specialized on nitrogen-fixing leguminous trees and shrubs. Larval feeding contributes to herbivory pressure on plants, though impact levels not quantified. May serve as prey for .
Human Relevance
Minor potential relevance through association with Robinia pseudoacacia, a widely planted for timber, erosion control, and ornamental purposes. No documented status as significant pest.
Similar Taxa
- Other Sinoe species Sinoe contains multiple ; accurate identification requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis not available in general sources.
- Other small GelechiidaeNumerous small gelechiid moths overlap in size and general appearance; plant association and geographic range provide distinguishing context.
More Details
Original description
First described by Asa Fitch in 1859 as Anacampsis robiniella, later transferred to Sinoe.