Epimartyria bimaculella
Davis & Landry, 2012
Epimartyria bimaculella is a of primitive in the Micropterigidae, described in 2012 from specimens collected in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is one of the smallest members of its , with forewings measuring 4.6–5.3 mm. The species is distinguished by two pale yellowish spots on dark fuscous forewings, a pattern referenced in its Latin name. It inhabits moist forest environments where leafy liverworts occur.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epimartyria bimaculella: /ˌɛpɪmɑrˈtɪriə ˌbaɪməkjʊˈlɛlə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the similar Epimartyria pardella by the presence of two yellowish spots on the forewing versus the pattern in pardella; specifically, bimaculella has only a single large costal spot beyond the middle, whereas pardella has additional spotting. The small size (forewings under 5.5 mm) and dark ground color with contrasting pale spots are key field marks. Known only from the Pacific Northwest, which may aid in geographic separation from other Epimartyria .
Appearance
Small with forewings 4.6–5.3 mm in length. Forewings dark fuscous with two pale golden-yellowish spots: one located before the middle of the wing and a single large costal spot positioned beyond the middle. Hindwings not described in sources. Body coloration not specified beyond wing pattern.
Habitat
Moist, shaded forest environments. Specifically associated with Douglas fir–western red cedar forests containing seepage areas where leafy liverworts (Marchantiophyta) grow. perch on lower vegetation including Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry) in proximity to liverwort .
Distribution
to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Known from north-western Washington State, USA and southern British Columbia, Canada.
Host Associations
- leafy liverworts - association found in where leafy liverworts grow; direct ecological relationship unspecified
- Rubus spectabilis - perching substrate observed perching on lower parts of plants near liverwort
Behavior
active during daylight hours ( observed). Perching documented on lower plant parts. Captured by sweeping low vegetation and by observation during flight along shaded seepage areas.
Similar Taxa
- Epimartyria pardellaSimilar dark fuscous forewings with pale spots, but distinguished by spotting pattern: bimaculella has two yellowish spots with only a single large costal spot beyond the middle, while pardella has different spot configuration
More Details
Etymology
name derived from Latin bi (two, double) and maculella (little spot), referring to the two small, pale yellowish spots on the forewings.
Collection history
Described in 2012 based on specimens collected by sweeping low vegetation and observation of . One of the more recently described in the ancient Micropterigidae.