Hodges#1069.5
Tachystola hemisema
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Gelechioidea
- Family: Oecophoridae
- Subfamily: Oecophorinae
- Tribe: Oecophorini
- Genus: Tachystola
- Species: hemisema
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tachystola hemisema: //ˌtækɪˈstoʊlə hɛmɪˈsiːmə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Tachystola hemisema, a moth in the family Oecophoridae, was first described by Meyrick in 1885. It is native to Australia but has become adventive in regions such as southern California and New Zealand. The identification of specimens outside Australia is tentative and under further scrutiny. The larvae are associated with Eucalyptus trees, constructing cases from the leaves.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan: 11-16 mm.
Identification Tips
Tentative identification, consult expert for confirmation.
Habitat
Eucalyptus forests and areas with introduced Eucalyptus plants.
Distribution
Native to Australia; adventive in southern California, USA, and New Zealand.
Diet
Larvae feed on dead leaves of Eucalyptus, constructing small, flattened elliptical cases of silk.
Life Cycle
Life cycle details are not fully documented; larvae create cases from silk between leaves.
Reproduction
Reproductive behaviors and strategies are not well-documented.
Ecosystem Role
Potential role as a herbivore affecting Eucalyptus communities; specific interactions unknown.
Economic Impact
Considered an invasive species in areas where introduced, impacting local ecosystems.
Collecting Methods
- Trapping
- Netting
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Alcohol preservation
Evolution
Evolutionary history not documented in detail; taxonomic identification needs further verification.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Identifications involving BOLD specimens remain unverified; mistaking for other similar species is possible.
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Moth
- Oecophoridae
- Invasive Species