Choristostigma leucosalis
(Barnes & McDunnough, 1914)
Choristostigma leucosalis is a small crambid with a wingspan of 15–17 mm, distributed across Mexico and the southern United States. are active in April and from October to November. The exhibits distinctive wing patterning with yellow forewings marked by brown venation and purple-brown spots, and pale hindwings with brown borders.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Choristostigma leucosalis: /kɔˌrɪstoʊˈstɪɡmə ˌluːkoʊˈsælɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Choristostigma by the combination of: light yellow forewings with brown-veined patterning; round spot filled with purple-brown; quadrate purplish spot with hyaline white spot separating it from the orbicular; and pale hindwings with broad brown outer border and dark line. The small size (15–17 mm wingspan) and specific spot configuration are diagnostic.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan of 15–17 mm. Forewings light yellow with slight sprinkling of brown ; marked in brown. Basal portion of shaded with purple-brown. spot round, more or less filled with purple-brown. spot a quadrate purplish blotch, lower portion usually obscured by brown scaling. Small quadrate hyaline white spot separates reniform and orbicular spots. Hindwings pale whitish yellow with broad brown outer border, minute discal dot, and dark line.
Distribution
Mexico and the southern United States. Recorded from southern California, Arizona, and Texas in the U.S.
Seasonality
on wing in April and from October to November
Behavior
attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights. activity peaks during spring (April) and late autumn (October–November).
Similar Taxa
- Other Choristostigma speciesSimilar -level wing pattern elements, but distinguished by specific configuration of spots and markings described for C. leucosalis
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1914. The specific epithet 'leucosalis' refers to the white (leuco-) markings on the wings (-salis).
Collecting notes
Based on field observations from southeastern Arizona, have been collected at ultraviolet/mercury-vapor light setups in mountain oak woodland .