Thiotricha laterestriata
(Walsingham, 1897)
Thiotricha laterestriata is a small gelechiid described by Thomas de Grey, 6th Baron Walsingham, in 1897. It is characterized by distinctive wing patterning with silvery-white forewings, bright orange portions, and complex oblique streaks in brownish-grey and white. The is to the West Indies and has a wingspan of approximately 10 mm.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thiotricha laterestriata: /ˌθaɪoʊˈtrɪkə ˌleɪtərəˌstraɪˈeɪtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from by combination of: (1) silvery-white forewing ground color with bright orange patch; (2) complex pattern of paired oblique streaks (brownish-grey and white) on forewing; (3) conspicuous white-margined black apical spot; (4) small size (wingspan ~10 mm). The intricate streak pattern, particularly the wider lower white streak divided by dark line from tornus, appears diagnostic.
Distribution
West Indies. Specific island records are not documented in available sources.
More Details
Nomenclatural note
Authorship is sometimes cited as 'Thomas de Grey' or 'Walsingham, 1897'; the latter is the standard form. Thomas de Grey, 6th Baron Walsingham (1843–1919), was a prominent British entomologist who described numerous Lepidoptera from the West Indies and other regions.
Taxonomic placement
Placed in Thiotrichinae within Gelechiidae. This subfamily contains small often with metallic or bright coloration and reduced wing venation.