Dargida rubripennis
(Grote & Robinson, 1870)
Pink Streak, Pink Streak Moth
Dargida rubripennis, commonly known as the pink streak, is a in the . It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote and Coleman Townsend Robinson in 1870. The species is listed as threatened in Massachusetts and Connecticut. have a wingspan of 32–37 mm. The are known as and feed on developing wheat kernels, particularly in the soft dough stage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dargida rubripennis: //ˈdɑːrɡɪdə ruːbrɪˈpɛnɪs//
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Identification
can be recognized by the - with a distinct lengthwise brown stripe on each forewing. The wingspan of 32–37 mm helps distinguish it from similar . The are slender, greenish to light tan, up to 1½ inches long, with yellow, , and brown stripes running lengthwise on each side of the body.
Images
Appearance
have a wingspan of 32–37 mm. The are - with a lengthwise brown stripe. The 'pink streak' refers to coloration on the .
Habitat
Associated with agricultural fields, particularly wheat fields. feed in wheat . are heavier in dryland fields and on the edges of irrigated fields.
Distribution
Eastern United States, ranging west to Kansas and Texas. Specifically recorded as present in North America. Listed as threatened in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Seasonality
emerge in spring and lay . First appear in late May and June. Larval feeding occurs during kernel development, particularly targeting wheat in the soft dough stage.
Diet
feed on wheat kernels, primarily those in the soft dough stage. The larvae are known as and damage developing grain.
Life Cycle
One per year. emerge in spring to lay . develop through late May and June, feeding on wheat . occurs in soil.
Behavior
feed within wheat , damaging kernels. often occur along field margins. Feeding damage is most evident after harvest, when hollowed out kernels become apparent.
Ecological Role
Agricultural pest of wheat. Part of a complex of 13 Dargida known as . and likely play a role in , though specific information is not documented.
Human Relevance
Economic pest of wheat. Damage to kernels reduces yield and quality. No established treatment thresholds exist. Pre-harvest intervals for most make treatment timing difficult. Insecticides with malathion (7-day PHI) and chlorantraniliprole (1-day PHI) are among the few options with sufficiently short pre-harvest intervals. Listed as threatened in Massachusetts and Connecticut, indicating concern in parts of its range.
Similar Taxa
- Other Dargida speciesThere are 13 known of in the Dargida (synonym Faronta). All have similar-looking and , requiring careful identification to distinguish D. rubripennis from .