Lacosoma arizonicum
Dyar, 1898
southwestern sack-bearer moth
Lacosoma arizonicum, the southwestern sack-bearer , is one of four sack-bearer ( Mimallonidae) occurring north of Mexico. The species was described from a single male specimen collected in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona in 1898. Both larval and stages have documented morphological and behavioral traits. Larvae are specialized feeders on oak species and construct distinctive silk cases for protection.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lacosoma arizonicum: /lɑˈkoʊsəmə ˌærɪˈzɒnɪkəm/
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Identification
distinguished from by combination of rosy pink basal wing shading, obscure wing dots, and thin slightly curved brown line. Larvae resemble Lacosoma chiridota but display more pronounced, higher-contrast yellow markings on brown background. Enlarged and armored anal plate confirm Mimallonidae identity.
Habitat
Associated with oak woodlands; type locality in Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona. Specific requirements beyond plant presence not documented.
Distribution
Known from Arizona (type locality: Chiricahua Mountains) and adjacent southwestern United States. One of four Lacosoma occurring north of Mexico.
Seasonality
on wing primarily June to August. Larvae overwinter within constructed cases prior to .
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on oak (Quercus). Documented wild : Quercus arizonica, Quercus emoryi, Quercus gambelii, Quercus hypoleucoides. Captive rearing successful on Quercus virginiana.
Host Associations
- Quercus arizonica - larval wild
- Quercus emoryi - larval wild
- Quercus gambelii - larval wild
- Quercus hypoleucoides - larval wild
- Quercus virginiana - larval captive only
Life Cycle
not described. Larvae progress through instars feeding concealed; young larvae under silk netting mixed with on leaf surface, later instars construct rigid tube-shaped case from silk-bound leaves with openings at both ends. Larvae overwinter within case. occurs within case; details not documented.
Behavior
Larvae feed concealed throughout development. Young larvae remain under silk- netting on leaves; older larvae inhabit and carry portable silk-leaf cases. occurs within larval case.
Ecological Role
Herbivore specializing on oak foliage; serves as for (specific not detailed in available sources).
Human Relevance
No documented economic or cultural significance. Occasionally encountered in field studies of southwestern Lepidoptera.
Similar Taxa
- Lacosoma chiridotaLarval appearance similar but L. arizonicum has more pronounced, higher-contrast yellow markings on brown background; differ in wing pattern details.
- Other Lacosoma speciesThree other sack-bearer occur north of Mexico; L. arizonicum distinguished by type locality, wing pattern (rosy pink basal shading, obscure dots, thin curved line), and larval marking contrast.
More Details
Nomenclature
Hodges number 7660. Described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. from single male specimen.
Research gaps
records mentioned in literature but not taxonomically specified in available sources. and pupal undescribed in accessible literature.