Dicymolomia opuntialis

Dyar, 1908

Peppery Dicymolomia

Dicymolomia opuntialis is a small crambid with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. It is known from California and is associated with Opuntia cacti as a larval . The displays distinctive silvery grey forewings with orange and black markings.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dicymolomia opuntialis: /dɪˌsaɪməˈloʊmiə oʊˌpʌntiˈælɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The combination of small size (13 mm wingspan), silvery grey ground color, fulvous-orange forewing base, and the distinctive hindwing pattern of five black marginal spots with metallic scaling separates this from other Dicymolomia and related crambids. The orange blotch at the forewing is a key forewing character.

Appearance

Small with wingspan approximately 13 mm. Forewings silvery grey with fulvous-orange base, wavy black line, and orange blotch at . Hindwings silvery grey with five black marginal spots separated by metallic and shaded with dull orange.

Habitat

Associated with Opuntia cactus stands; specific requirements beyond presence are not documented

Distribution

Recorded from California, North America. Distribution may be broader but confirmed records are limited to this state.

Seasonality

on wing from May to September

Diet

Larvae feed on Opuntia , mining in the joints of cactus pads. feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Opuntia - larval larvae mine in joints of cactus pads

Other Dicymolomia speciesShare -level characteristics but differ in wing pattern elements; D. opuntialis is distinguished by the specific combination of orange blotch at and five-spotted hindwing pattern

More Details

Observation data

Approximately 70 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is documented but not frequently encountered

Larval biology

Mining in cactus joints is unusual among Crambidae and represents a specialized to the succulent