Mellilla
Grote, 1873
Mellilla is a in the , established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Its sole , Mellilla xanthometata (orangewing moth), was described by Francis Walker in 1862. The genus is found across most of eastern North America. are active during both day and night, with two per year.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mellilla: //mɛˈlɪlə//
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Identification
The contains only one , Mellilla xanthometata, which can be recognized by its small size (16–21 mm wingspan) and orange coloration. Within , it may be distinguished from other small orange-winged by geographic range (eastern North America) and period (early spring and late June).
Images
Appearance
Wingspan approximately 16–21 mm. exhibit orange coloration on the , as indicated by the "orangewing " for the sole .
Habitat
Associated with supporting its larval , Gleditsia triacanthos ( ). Specific habitat details for the beyond host plant association are not documented.
Distribution
Most of eastern North America.
Seasonality
active in early spring and again in late June; two per year. Adults during both day and night.
Diet
feed on Gleditsia triacanthos ( ). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Gleditsia triacanthos - larval
Life Cycle
Two per year. emerge in early spring and late June. Larval stage feeds on foliage.
Behavior
are active during both day and night, which is atypical for many .
Ecological Role
Larval on Gleditsia triacanthos. Specific ecological roles beyond are not documented.
Human Relevance
Not documented as economically significant. Occasionally encountered by citizen scientists during -watching events such as National Moth Week.
Similar Taxa
- Other small Geometridae generaSimilar size and general ; distinguished by orange coloration and specific association with Gleditsia triacanthos as larval
More Details
Taxonomic history
erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The sole was originally described by Francis Walker in 1862, prior to the establishment of the genus.
Monotypy
Mellilla is , containing only Mellilla xanthometata. This unusual taxonomic structure means -level and -level traits are effectively synonymous for this .