Elophila occidentalis

Lange, 1956

Elophila occidentalis is a small crambid described by William Harry Lange in 1956. The exhibits in wing size, with females notably larger than males. are active during summer months with multiple per year. Larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged aquatic plants.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Elophila occidentalis: /ɛˈloʊfɪlə ˌɒksɪˈdɛntəlɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished by combination of small size, in wingspan, and distinctive wing coloration with -and-white forewing markings and reddish basal area on hindwings. Specific identification from congeneric requires examination of genitalia or molecular analysis.

Appearance

Small with wingspan 11–15 mm in males, 15–22 mm in females. Forewings fuscous with -and-white markings. Hindwings fuscous with reddish area at base. pronounced in wing size.

Habitat

Aquatic and semi-aquatic environments; associated with water bodies supporting larval plants.

Distribution

United States: recorded from California, Arizona, and Nebraska.

Seasonality

active June to September; two to three per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on aquatic plants: Echinodorus cordifolius, Bacopa rotundifolia, Potamogeton gramineus, Sagittaria , Typha californica, and Jussiaea californica. diet not documented.

Host Associations

  • Echinodorus cordifolius - larval food plantsubmerged aquatic plant
  • Bacopa rotundifolia - larval food plantsubmerged aquatic plant
  • Potamogeton gramineus - larval food plantsubmerged aquatic plant
  • Sagittaria species - larval food plantsubmerged aquatic plant
  • Typha californica - larval food plantsubmerged aquatic plant
  • Jussiaea californica - larval food plantsubmerged aquatic plant

Life Cycle

Multiple per year (two to three). laid on or near aquatic plants. Larvae aquatic, feeding submerged on plant material. likely occurs in aquatic or semi-aquatic substrate. emerge June through September.

Ecological Role

Aquatic herbivore in larval stage; contributes to nutrient cycling in freshwater through consumption and processing of submerged vegetation.

Similar Taxa

  • Elophila gyralisOverlapping distribution and similar aquatic ; distinguished by wing pattern details and genitalia
  • Elophila obliteralisSimilar size and ; requires examination of markings and genitalia for separation

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Sources and further reading