Calliprora sexstrigella
(Chambers, 1874)
Calliprora sexstrigella is a minute gelechiid with a wingspan of approximately 8 mm. It is known from the southwestern United States and was originally described as Polyhymno sexstrigella. The is placed in the Thiotrichinae, a group of small moths often associated with arid and semi-arid environments.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calliprora sexstrigella: /kæˈlɪprə səksˈstraɪd͡ʒɛlə/
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Identification
Identification to level requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis. The minute size (8 mm wingspan) and southwestern U.S. distribution help narrow possibilities within Gelechiidae. Similar small gelechiids in the region include other Calliprora species and members of related in Thiotrichinae; dissection or may be necessary for definitive identification.
Appearance
Very small with a wingspan of about 8 mm. As a member of Gelechiidae, it likely has narrow, forewings with characteristic patterning; the epithet 'sexstrigella' (meaning 'six-striped') suggests six longitudinal streaks or on the wings.
Distribution
Southwestern United States: recorded from Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. The distribution corresponds to arid and semi-arid regions of the American Southwest.
Similar Taxa
- Other Calliprora speciesCongeneric share similar size, wing shape, and likely overlapping distribution in southwestern North America; require genitalic examination for separation.
- Thiotrichinae genera (e.g., Thiotricha, Anacampsis)Other small gelechiids in the same with similar and preferences in the southwestern U.S.
More Details
Original description
Originally described as Polyhymno sexstrigella by Chambers in 1874, later transferred to Calliprora.