Telphusa sedulitella
(Busck, 1910)
Telphusa sedulitella is a small gelechiid native to western North America. It has been recorded from Arizona, British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington, with southern range extension into Baja California. The is recognized by its distinctive forewing pattern featuring dark brown coloration with lighter mottling, five tufts, and a characteristic white line near the tornus. Larvae have been documented feeding on oaks (Quercus), willows (Salix), and hazels (Corylus).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Telphusa sedulitella: /tɛlˈfuːsə sɛdʊliˈtɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Telphusa by combination of five tufts on forewing, presence of white scales in the fifth tuft, and thin oblique white line from tornus toward apex. Unmottled dark basal third with indistinct blackish limiting streak also characteristic. Similar species in may lack white line or have different tuft arrangements.
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 13–14 mm. Forewings dark brown, mottled with lighter brown, black, and white. Basal third unmottled and darker than remainder, bounded by narrow indistinct blackish oblique streak. Five raised tufts arranged parallel to edge; fifth tuft contains white scales. Beyond this tuft, thin oblique pure white line extends from tornus toward apex. area freely dusted with white. Hindwings light bluish fuscous, darkening toward edges.
Distribution
Western North America: recorded from Arizona, British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington in the United States and Canada; southern range extends to Baja California, Mexico.
Diet
Larvae feed on Quercus (including Quercus agrifolia), Salix, and Corylus .
Host Associations
- Quercus - larval food plantincludes Quercus agrifolia
- Salix - larval food plant
- Corylus - larval food plant
Similar Taxa
- Other Telphusa speciesSimilar size and general gelechiid ; distinguished by specific forewing pattern elements including number and arrangement of tufts and presence of tornal white line