Arugisa latiorella
Walker, 1863
Watson's Arugisa Moth
Arugisa latiorella, known as Watson's Arugisa , is a small erebid moth to North America. First described by Francis Walker in 1863, it has been recorded across the southeastern and central United States. are active nearly year-round, and the feed on Kentucky bluegrass.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Arugisa latiorella: /əˈruːɡɪsə læˌtiːoʊˈrɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The small size (18–22 mm wingspan) and year-round activity in its range may help distinguish it from similar erebid . Specific diagnostic features are not documented in available sources.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 18–22 mm.
Habitat
Associated with grassland environments where its larval , Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), occurs. Specific preferences beyond host plant presence are not documented.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Florida to Texas, north to Kansas and Maryland.
Seasonality
active from January to November, indicating nearly year-round activity in its range.
Diet
feed on living and dead Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass). diet is not documented.
Host Associations
- Poa pratensis - larval feed on both living and dead material
Life Cycle
with larval and stages documented. Specific details on , pupal stages, or number of per year are not available.
Ecological Role
act as and on Kentucky bluegrass, potentially contributing to in grassland .
Human Relevance
No documented economic or agricultural significance. Kentucky bluegrass is widely used in lawns and pastures, but this is not reported as a .
Similar Taxa
- Other Arugisa speciescongeneric in the same may share similar size and appearance; specific distinguishing features require examination
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Acrobasis latiorella by Walker in 1863 before transfer to Arugisa.