Bohemannia pulverosella
(Stainton, 1849) van Nieukerken, 1982
Dusty Apple Pigmy
Bohemannia pulverosella is a of minute in the Nepticulidae, commonly known as the Dusty Apple Pigmy. It is distributed across much of Europe, from Fennoscandia south to the Iberian Peninsula and east to central Russia and Ukraine. The species is characterized by its small size, yellow , and ochreous wings speckled with black. Identification to species level requires microscopic examination of the genitalia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bohemannia pulverosella: //boʊ.həˈmæn.i.ə pʊl.vɛɹ.oʊˈsɛl.ə//
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Identification
Definitive identification requires microscopic examination of the genitalia. The combination of yellow and ochreous, black-speckled wings is characteristic but may overlap with related in the Bohemannia. The species is separable from other European nepticulids by genitalic , particularly the structure of the male valvae and female signum.
Images
Appearance
are minute with a yellow . The forewings are ochreous (yellowish-brown) with black speckling, creating a dusty or powdered appearance. The wing pattern is distinctive within the . Like all Nepticulidae, the has extremely narrow, wings relative to body size.
Distribution
Fennoscandia to the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps, Slovenia and Bulgaria, and from Ireland east to central Russia and Ukraine. Records also indicate presence in Belgium.
Similar Taxa
- Other Bohemannia speciesShare minute size, narrow wings, and similar overall ; require genitalic dissection for separation
- Other NepticulidaeSimilar minute size and wing shape; distinguished by wing pattern and genitalic characters
More Details
Original Description
Originally described as Trifurcula pulverosella by Stainton in 1849, later transferred to the Bohemannia by van Nieukerken in 1982.