Tricholita knudsoni
Crabo & Lafontaine, 2009
Tricholita knudsoni is a of owlet moth described in 2009 from western Texas. It is a relatively small noctuid with a wingspan of 33–35 mm. The species is known from a restricted geographic range in the Trans-Pecos region, with all documented records from light trap collections between late August and late October. It was described by Crabo and Lafontaine during their revision of related noctuid .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tricholita knudsoni: /ˌtrɪkoʊˈlaɪtə ˈknʊdsəni/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Tricholita by genitalic characters and geographic distribution. The species was described alongside two other new Tricholita species in a 2009 revision. Accurate identification requires reference to the original description and comparison with related species in the .
Appearance
Small to medium-sized noctuid with a wingspan of 33–35 mm. Specific wing pattern, coloration, and body are not detailed in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with montane and foothill environments in western Texas, specifically the Chisos, Davis, and Guadalupe Mountains. The type locality region suggests rocky, semi-arid to arid upland characteristic of the Trans-Pecos ecological region.
Distribution
to western Texas, USA. Known from Concan westward to the Chisos Mountains, Davis Mountains, and Guadalupe Mountains.
Seasonality
are active from late August through late October. All known specimens were attracted to light during this period.
Behavior
are attracted to light. No other behavioral observations have been published.
Similar Taxa
- Tricholita barancaCongeneric occurring in overlapping or adjacent regions; distinguished by morphological and genitalic characters per Crabo & Lafontaine 2009 revision
- Tricholita signataAnother congeneric ; separation requires detailed examination of genitalia and wing patterns as established in the 2009 taxonomic revision
More Details
Type series
The description in Crabo & Lafontaine (2009) established the species based on specimens collected at light in the specified Texas localities.
Taxonomic context
This was one of two new Tricholita species described in the same paper that primarily focused on revising the Lasionycta; the Tricholita descriptions were ancillary to that main work.