Neoscythris

Distinguished from the related genus Scythris by genitalic characters and subtle external morphology; definitive identification requires examination of genitalia. Distinguished from Landryia by symmetrical (rather than strikingly asymmetrical) genitalia. Externally similar to other scythridid genera; accurate identification to genus level typically requires dissection and microscopic examination.

Associated with dry, open habitats including prairie and grassland environments. Adults have been observed on flowering shrubs, particularly composites (Asteraceae), in clay bank and escarpment environments.

North America; species recorded from western and central United States including South Dakota, Nebraska, and western states.

Adults active in late summer and early fall; observed in September in Nebraska.

• Gutierrezia sarothrae - flower visitationAdults observed on flowers of this composite shrub.

Adults are diurnal or crepuscular and frequently visit flowers. They exhibit a nervous disposition and are easily disturbed when approached. Strong fliers for their size, capable of rapid, darting movements.

Likely contributes to pollination of composite flowers through adult flower visitation. Larval ecology poorly known; related scythridids include leaf miners on Asteraceae.

Of interest to microlepidopterists and photographers due to extremely small size and challenging nature of field observation. No known economic importance.

• ScythrisExtremely similar external morphology; distinguished by genitalic characters and subtle structural differences.
• LandryiaSimilar size and habitus; distinguished by symmetrical genitalia in Neoscythris versus strikingly asymmetrical genitalia in Landryia.

• microlepidoptera
• flower moths
• North America
• prairie
• Asteraceae associates

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Tiny little slivers of life | Beetles In The Bush