Thiotricha sciurella

Distinguished from similar Thiotricha species by the combination of: (1) elongate bright orange pre-apical patch that reaches costa but not dorsum; (2) strong black apical spot; (3) silver-white oblique streak along tornus enclosed by greyish shade; (4) alternate orange and greyish-fuscous lines in apical cilia. The small size (8 mm wingspan) and distinctive forewing pattern with orange, black, and silver elements should separate it from most sympatric gelechiids. Examination of genitalia may be required for definitive identification within Thiotricha.

A minute moth with wingspan approximately 8 mm. Forewings shining bluish-white with an elongate bright orange patch preceding the apex, reaching the costa but not the dorsum; this patch preceded by slight greyish shade that does not extend along its upper edge, and followed by a strong black apical spot. Before and below the spot is an outwardly curved greyish shade, partly enclosing an elongate silver-white oblique streak along the tornus. Cilia with alternate orange and greyish-fuscous lines diverging downwards from the apex through the upper half, plain greyish-white about the tornus. Hindwings pale blue-grey.

West Indies; Mexico to Brazil (continental range from southern North America through Central America to South America).

• Other Thiotricha speciesMany Thiotricha species share small size and colorful forewing patterns; precise pattern elements (orange patch shape, black spot position, silver streak presence) are diagnostic for T. sciurella.
• Other GelechiidaeMinute size and general gelechiid wing shape may cause confusion; the specific combination of orange, black, and silver-white markings on bluish-white ground is distinctive to T. sciurella.

• Neotropical
• minute moth
• colorful pattern

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life