Saucrobotys fumoferalis

Hulst, 1886

dusky saucrobotys moth

Saucrobotys fumoferalis is a small crambid found across northern and western North America. are active from spring through late summer, with a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. The is notable for its larval association with hickory trees (Carya species), where feed on leaves. It inhabits forests, mixed forests, and woodlots across a broad geographic range from the Yukon to California and from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.

Saucrobotys fumoferalis 1 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Saucrobotys fumoferalis 01 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.Saucrobotys fumoferalis by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Saucrobotys fumoferalis: /saʊkroʊˈbɒtɪs fuːmoʊfeˈrælɪs/

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

Identification

can be recognized by their small size (wingspan ~30 mm) and relatively plain, dusky coloration typical of many Pyraustinae. The may be confused with other small crambid , but its broad distribution across northern forests and association with hickory provide contextual clues. are not well described in available sources.

Images

Habitat

forests, mixed forests, and woodlots. The shows affinity for forested environments where hickory trees occur.

Distribution

North America: Nova Scotia west to British Columbia, north to Yukon, and south to Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California. Additional records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada.

Seasonality

have been recorded on from April to September, indicating a relatively long period spanning spring through late summer.

Diet

feed on Carya (hickories). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • Carya - larval feed on leaves of hickory

Ecological Role

As a folivore on hickory trees, contribute to and may serve as for forest-dwelling including birds and .

Similar Taxa

  • Saucrobotys futilalisSimilar and appearance; also a crambid with , but associated with dogbane (Apocynum) rather than hickory, and with more conspicuous larval coloration (orange with black spots in later )

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Sources and further reading