Telphusa melanoleuca
Walsingham, 1911
Telphusa melanoleuca is a small gelechiid described by Walsingham in 1911. It is known only from Guerrero, Mexico. The is characterized by striking wing patterning with contrasting dark and white markings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Telphusa melanoleuca: /tɛlˈfuː.sə mɛl.ə.noʊˈljuː.kə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Telphusa by the combination of: oblique white band with angular projections; bottle-green spot with associated raised tufts; and bluish-green iridescence on basal dark areas. The specific arrangement of white costal spots near the apex (series of four plus additional spot) provides additional diagnostic characters. Size (16 mm wingspan) and Mexican distribution further narrow identification.
Distribution
Known only from Guerrero, Mexico. No additional locality records have been published.
More Details
Taxonomic notes
The epithet 'melanoleuca' (Greek: black-white) refers to the contrasting dark and light wing pattern. The original description by Walsingham (1911) provides the only detailed account of this species.
Data limitations
No specimens have been recorded in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. The remains known only from the type series and original description.