Gazoryctra mathewi
(Edwards, 1874)
Mathew's Ghost Moth, Matthew's Ghost Moth
Gazoryctra mathewi is a in the Hepialidae. It is a small with a wingspan of approximately 34 mm. The is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Washington, and California. It was first described by Edwards in 1874.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gazoryctra mathewi: /ɡəˈzɔrɪk.trə ˈmæθɪwi/
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Identification
The small wingspan of 34 mm distinguishes this from larger Hepialidae. Geographic occurrence in western North America (British Columbia, Washington, California) helps separate it from eastern North American . Definitive identification requires examination of genitalia or molecular analysis.
Images
Appearance
Small with a wingspan of approximately 34 mm. As a member of Hepialidae, likely have reduced mouthparts and do not feed. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
Western North America, including British Columbia, Washington, and California. GBIF records confirm presence in North America.
Ecological Role
As a Hepialidae , larvae likely feed on decaying organic matter or plant roots, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest . do not feed due to reduced mouthparts.
Similar Taxa
- Gazoryctra hyperboreusOverlapping range in western North America; G. hyperboreus is generally larger and associated with more northern
- Other HepialidaeGhost moths share reduced mouthparts and root-feeding or detritivorous larvae; -level identification requires detailed examination
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Authority sometimes cited as (Edwards, 1875) in some sources such as NCBI, though (Edwards, 1874) is the accepted date in Catalogue of Life and GBIF. Basionym Epialus mathewi reflects older generic placement.
Source Discrepancy
Wikipedia contains contradictory geographic information, stating both 'western' and 'eastern' North America for the same distribution. Western North America (British Columbia, Washington, California) is the verified range based on specimen records.