Cisthene deserta

(Felder, 1868)

Cisthene deserta is a small in the Erebidae, Arctiinae. First described by Felder in 1868, this has a restricted distribution in western North America, recorded from Utah and California. are active from spring through mid-summer, with forewings measuring 9–11 mm.

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Cisthene deserta by (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Cisthene deserta by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cisthene deserta: //ˈsɪsˌθiːni dəˈzɜːrtə//

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Identification

Small size (forewings 9–11 mm) and restricted geographic range in Utah and California help distinguish this from related Cisthene . Definitive identification requires examination of genitalia or reference to original description.

Images

Appearance

Forewing length 9–11 mm. As a member of the Lithosiini tribe, likely exhibits the typical compact body form and relatively broad wings characteristic of lichen moths. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Distribution

Recorded from Utah and California in western North America. Distribution records are sparse, suggesting either genuine rarity or undercollection.

Seasonality

on wing from April to July.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Originally described as Pyralidia deserta by Felder in 1868, later transferred to Cisthene. The basionym Pyralidia deserta is retained as a synonym.

Data Quality

This is poorly documented in the literature. Available information is limited to original description, basic distribution records, and period. No plant records, larval descriptions, or detailed ecological studies have been located.