Telphusa perspicua
(Walsingham, 1897)
Telphusa perspicua is a small gelechiid with distinctive iridescent forewing patterning. It is to the West Indies, recorded from Hispaniola, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The is characterized by complex wing markings including green metallic reflections and raised patches. It has been documented in 644 iNaturalist observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Telphusa perspicua: /tɛlˈfuːsə pɜːrˈspɪkjuːə/
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Identification
Distinguished from by the combination of: green metallic reflections on forewings beyond the dark basal patch margin; three distinct raised whitish-ochreous patches on forewing (one discal, two ); ocelloid costal spotting pattern; and steel-blue iridescent hindwings with transparent . The specific arrangement of pale mottling against dark brown ground color with metallic accents is diagnostic within Telphusa.
Images
Distribution
to the West Indies. Documented from Hispaniola, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.
Similar Taxa
- Other Telphusa speciesLack the distinctive combination of green metallic forewing reflections, three raised patches, and steel-blue iridescent hindwings present in T. perspicua.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Walsingham in 1897, placing it among the earlier-documented West Indian gelechiid fauna.
Observation frequency
Relatively well-documented for a regional , with 644 iNaturalist observations suggesting it is not uncommon within its restricted range.