Epimartyria pardella
(Walsingham, 1880)
Epimartyria pardella is a of primitive in the Micropterigidae, one of the most basal lineages of living Lepidoptera. It was described by Thomas de Grey, 5th Baron Walsingham in 1880. The species is to a restricted region of the Pacific Northwest, occurring in southern Oregon and northwestern California. Like other micropterigid moths, it retains functional in the stage, a plesiomorphic trait lost in most other Lepidoptera.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epimartyria pardella: /ˌɛpɪmɑrˈtɪriə pɑrˈdɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
of Epimartyria pardella can be distinguished from by the specific pattern of forewing markings. The name 'pardella' refers to a spotted or leopard-like pattern. Within the Epimartyria, E. pardella differs from E. auricrinella and E. bimaculella in details of wing pattern and geographic distribution. Accurate identification requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis. The small size (typical of Micropterigidae, with wingspans generally under 10 mm) and metallic coloration are characteristic of the but not diagnostic to species level.
Habitat
Occurs in moist forested environments of the Pacific Northwest. Specific microhabitat preferences have not been documented in detail, but related micropterigid inhabit shaded, humid areas with abundant moss and liverwort growth.
Distribution
Southern Oregon and northwestern California, USA. The range is restricted to the Klamath Mountains and adjacent coastal regions.
Similar Taxa
- Epimartyria auricrinellaOverlaps in range and shares general appearance; distinguished by forewing pattern details and male genitalia
- Epimartyria bimaculellaSimilar size and metallic coloration; distinguished by two-spotted forewing pattern versus spotted pattern of E. pardella
- Micropterix speciesSame with similar and metallic coloration; distinguished by wing venation and pattern details
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Micropteryx pardella Walsingham, 1880, later transferred to the Epimartyria. The genus Epimartyria was established to accommodate North American previously placed in Micropteryx.
Phylogenetic Significance
Micropterigidae, including E. pardella, represent one of the earliest diverging lineages of Lepidoptera. possess functional used for feeding on pollen, unlike the vast majority of Lepidoptera which have siphonate mouthparts or reduced adult mouthparts.