Udea washingtonalis
Grote, 1882
Washington Udea Moth
Udea washingtonalis, commonly known as the Washington Udea , is a small crambid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. The is distributed across western North America, with records from Alaska, British Columbia, California, Montana, and Washington. are active from May to August and have a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. Four have been recognized, differentiated by geographic distribution.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Udea washingtonalis: /juːˈdiːə ˌwɒʃɪŋtənˈeɪlɪs/
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Identification
The can be distinguished from other Udea species by its specific geographic distribution in western North America and subtle morphological differences, though detailed diagnostic features are not well documented. The four recognized (washingtonalis, hollandi, nomensis, and pribilofensis) are separated primarily by geographic range rather than conspicuous morphological differences. Accurate identification to species level may require examination of genitalia or molecular analysis.
Appearance
Small with a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. As a member of the Udea, it likely exhibits the typical crambid moth body plan with relatively narrow wings and a slender , though specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Specific preferences are not documented. Based on its geographic distribution, the occurs in a range of environments from coastal areas of Washington and British Columbia to montane regions of Montana and California, and subarctic conditions in Alaska.
Distribution
Western North America. Recorded from Alaska (including the Pribilof Islands), British Columbia, California, Montana, and Washington. The nominate U. w. washingtonalis occurs in Washington; U. w. hollandi in British Columbia and Montana; U. w. nomensis in Alaska; and U. w. pribilofensis in the Pribilof Islands, Alaska.
Seasonality
are on wing from May to August.
Behavior
activity pattern inferred from characteristics and the documented period. fly during the evening and night hours.
Similar Taxa
- Udea rubigalisCongeneric with similar and size; U. rubigalis is more widely distributed across North America and has been documented visiting apple flowers for nectar, whereas U. washingtonalis has a more restricted western distribution.
- Other Udea speciesThe Udea contains numerous small, superficially similar crambid that require careful examination for accurate identification; many differ subtly in wing pattern, genitalia, or geographic range.
More Details
Subspecies
Four recognized: Udea washingtonalis washingtonalis (Washington), U. w. hollandi Munroe 1966 (British Columbia, Montana), U. w. nomensis Munroe 1966 (Alaska), and U. w. pribilofensis Munroe 1966 (Pribilof Islands, Alaska). The subspecies were described by Munroe in 1966 based on geographic isolation and minor morphological differentiation.
Nomenclatural Note
Originally described as Botis washingtonalis by Grote in 1882; later transferred to Udea. Some sources cite the publication year as 1881, though 1882 is more commonly cited.