Epimartyria

Distinguished from other Micropterigidae genera by genitalic characters and specific wing pattern elements. E. auricrinella has distinctive gold-tipped forewing scales. E. bimaculella has two dark spots on the forewings. E. pardella has spotted forewing patterns. Identification to species level requires examination of genitalia or wing pattern details.

Associated with moist, shaded environments where larval host plants (liverworts) occur. Habitats include forested areas with suitable bryophyte communities.

North America. E. auricrinella occurs in western North America (California, Oregon). E. bimaculella is known from eastern North America (North Carolina). E. pardella is found in western North America (California, Oregon).

Adults are active in spring and early summer; specific flight periods vary by species and locality.

Larvae feed on liverworts (Marchantiophyta). Adults consume pollen, having retained the ancestral chewing mouthpart condition.

• Liverworts - larval food plantSpecific host genera not fully documented for all species

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae are associated with liverworts. Pupation occurs in silk cases.

Adults are diurnal and visit flowers to consume pollen. Larvae feed on liverworts in moist microhabitats.

Pollen consumption by adults may contribute to minor pollen transfer. Larvae are specialized herbivores on liverworts.

No significant economic or medical importance. Of interest to lepidopterists studying basal moth lineages.

• MicropterixAlso in family Micropterigidae; distinguished by wing venation and genitalic characters
• SabatincaAnother micropterigid genus; differs in wing pattern and genitalia

• micropterigidae
• basal lepidoptera
• primitive moths
• pollen-feeding
• liverwort feeders
• metallic moths

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life