Epimartyria auricrinella
Walsingham, 1898
Goldcap Moss-Eater, goldcap moss-eater moth
Epimartyria auricrinella, commonly called the goldcap moss-eater , is a small moth in the Micropterigidae. It is the first in the North American moth numbering system (MONA 0001). The species is notable for its activity pattern and specialized larval diet on liverworts. It occurs in wet, shaded of eastern North America where its plants grow.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epimartyria auricrinella: /ˌɛ.pɪˈmɑːr.tɪr.jə ˌɔːr.ɪ.krɪˈnɛl.lə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
distinguished from by uniformly dark fuscous forewings lacking yellowish spots present in other Epimartyria . and association with wet, mossy also aid identification. Small size (forewings 4.2–5.6 mm) is consistent with characteristics.
Habitat
Shaded, wet environments including swampy woods, boggy ditches, and creek sides. Requires presence of leafy, moss-like liverworts that serve as larval food source. are consistently moist to water-saturated.
Distribution
Eastern United States from Maine to Michigan, south to Tennessee and Georgia. South-eastern Canada from Nova Scotia to Ontario.
Seasonality
active diurnally, observed perched on low foliage during day. Active even in early morning after sunrise. Mating occurs in afternoon. Larval development probably spans two years, suggesting overlapping or extended single generation.
Diet
Larvae feed on leafy, moss-like liverworts, specifically including Bazzania trilobata. diet not documented.
Host Associations
- Bazzania trilobata - larval food plantLeafy liverwort, moss-like in appearance
Life Cycle
Larval development probably spans two years. Full-grown larvae reach 5 mm. details not documented. emerge and are active during day.
Behavior
activity unusual among Lepidoptera. perch on low foliage during daylight hours. Mating occurs in afternoon. Larvae possess adaptations () for subaquatic or water-saturated conditions, allowing survival in saturated substrates.
Ecological Role
Specialized herbivore on liverworts, likely contributing to nutrient cycling in wet forest . One of few insects documented feeding on leafy liverworts.
Human Relevance
Holds MONA number 0001, making it the first in the North American numbering system. No economic significance. May serve as for intact, wet forest with liverwort .
Similar Taxa
- Other Epimartyria speciesDistinguished by uniformly dark fuscous forewings without yellowish spots; have spotted forewings
More Details
Plastron adaptation
Larval is a physical gill structure allowing respiration in water-saturated environments, an unusual among Lepidoptera larvae.
Taxonomic note
Described by Lord Walsingham in 1898. Micropterigidae represents one of the most basal lineages of Lepidoptera, retaining ancestral characteristics including functional in .