Choristostigma roseopennalis

Hulst, 1886

Choristostigma roseopennalis is a small crambid described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It is distributed across the southern and eastern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. The is distinguished by its bright coloration and has been documented at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light traps in mountain oak woodland .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Choristostigma roseopennalis: //kəˌrɪstoʊˈstɪɡmə ˌroʊzioʊpɛnˈnælɪs//

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 (18 mm wingspan), canary yellow forewings with bright rosy costal and marginal bands, and entirely white hindwings distinguishes this from other Choristostigma and related crambid . The specific epithet "roseopennalis" directly references the rosy wing markings.

Appearance

Small with wingspan approximately 18 mm. Forewings are canary yellow with bright rosy for two-thirds from the base. Bright rosy outer band merges with a broad marginal band of the same color at the inner angle. Hindwings are white.

Habitat

Mountain oak woodland. The has been collected at light traps in riparian montane oak woodland settings.

Distribution

Mexico and the United States. U.S. records from Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.

Seasonality

are on wing from May to September, with peak activity during summer months.

Behavior

are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights. activity peaks around 9:30 p.m. based on field observations.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Choristostigma speciesSimilar size and general crambid ; distinguished by the unique rosy and yellow forewing pattern and white hindwings of C. roseopennalis

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet "roseopennalis" refers to the rosy (rose-colored) wing markings (penna = wing).

Collection method

Documented in field reports from blacklighting efforts in southeastern Arizona, where specimens were attracted to combined ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light setups in mountain oak woodland .

Tags

Sources and further reading