Elophila occidentalis

Lange, 1956

Elophila occidentalis is a small crambid described by William Harry Lange in 1956. The exhibits in size, with females notably larger than males. are active during summer months with multiple per year. 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 coloration with -and- markings and reddish area on . Specific identification from congeneric requires examination of or molecular analysis.

Appearance

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

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

Host Associations

  • Echinodorus cordifolius - larval submerged aquatic
  • Bacopa rotundifolia - larval submerged aquatic
  • Potamogeton gramineus - larval submerged aquatic
  • Sagittaria species - larval submerged aquatic
  • Typha californica - larval submerged aquatic
  • Jussiaea californica - larval submerged aquatic

Life Cycle

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

Ecological Role

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

Similar Taxa

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

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Sources and further reading