Eupithecia phyllisae
Rindge, 1963
Eupithecia phyllisae is a small in the Geometridae, first described by Rindge in 1963. It is to the southwestern United States, known only from New Mexico and Arizona. The is named in honor of Phyllis Rindge, the wife of the author. Like other members of the Eupithecia, it is a moth attracted to light sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eupithecia phyllisae: /juːˈpɪθ.i.ə ˈfɪl.ɪ.seɪ/
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Identification
Members of the Eupithecia are recognized by their narrow wings and distinctive resting posture. -level identification within this genus typically requires examination of genitalia characters and is not reliably achieved through external alone. Eupithecia phyllisae is distinguished from other Eupithecia species by its restricted geographic range in New Mexico and Arizona, though definitive identification requires taxonomic expertise.
Appearance
Small with forewing length of 7–8.5 mm in males and 7–9 mm in females. As a member of the Eupithecia, it possesses narrow wings and exhibits the characteristic resting posture typical of 'pug' moths, with wings held flat or slightly folded. Specific wing pattern details for this are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Inferred from collection locality and related : dry mixed conifer forest with oak components at elevations around 7,000 feet. The type locality and known records suggest association with montane woodland in the southwestern United States.
Distribution
to the United States, known only from New Mexico and Arizona.
Behavior
; attracted to artificial light sources. Has been observed visiting apple flowers, suggesting possible nectar-feeding .
Ecological Role
Potential . A Eupithecia ( not specified) was documented visiting apple flowers in a 2021 study on pollination, contributing to nighttime pollination services in agricultural settings.
Human Relevance
Named in honor of Phyllis Rindge, wife of the describer John Rindge. Documented as a visitor to apple flowers, indicating potential incidental value in crop pollination.
Similar Taxa
- Other Eupithecia speciesExternal is highly similar across the ; -level identification requires genitalia dissection and expert analysis.
- Other Geometridae 'pug' mothsShared narrow-winged and resting posture; distinguished by genitalia characters and geographic distribution.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'phyllisae' honors Phyllis Rindge, wife of the author John Rindge who described the in 1963.
Taxonomic note
The Eupithecia is large and taxonomically challenging, with many requiring dissection of genitalia for reliable identification. Eupithecia phyllisae is one of relatively few species with a restricted southwestern U.S. distribution.