Catoptria trichostomus

Definitive identification requires examination of genitalia or DNA barcoding, as is standard for the Catoptria coulonellus species group. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging complex where external morphology alone is insufficient for reliable discrimination. Geographic origin (northern North America or Russian Far East) may provide a supporting clue.

Small moth with a wingspan of 17–20 mm. Detailed morphological descriptions are not available in the provided sources. As a member of the Catoptria coulonellus species group, it likely exhibits the general Crambinae body plan: slender body, narrow wings held tent-like over the abdomen at rest, and relatively long antennae. Specific coloration and patterning are not documented in the available sources.

Coniferous forests.

Northern North America: Alaska, Labrador, Baffin Island in the Northwest Territories, and south in the Rocky Mountains to southern Alberta. Also occurs in the Russian Far East. The distribution spans both sides of the Bering Strait, indicating a trans-Beringian biogeographic pattern.

• Other members of the Catoptria coulonellus species groupExternal morphology is insufficient to distinguish C. trichostomus from its congeners in this species group; genitalia examination or DNA analysis is required for definitive identification.

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Taxonomic and nomenclatorial notes on the Catoptria coulonellus (Duponchel) species group with description of five new species from Western Balkans (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea, Crambidae)