Baphala pallida

Comstock, 1880

Baphala pallida is a small in the , first described by John Henry Comstock in 1880. It is distributed across multiple U.S. states in the southern and western regions. The species has a wingspan of 15–19 mm and exhibits distinctive pale gray with strongly contrasted blackish discal dots and transverse markings. Notably, its are specialized of , a relatively uncommon feeding strategy among pyralid .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Baphala pallida: /ˈbæf.ə.lə ˈpæl.ɪ.də/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Baphala by the strongly contrasted blackish discal dots and transverse markings on pale gray , especially the pronounced contrast toward the . The relatively small size (15–19 mm wingspan) and specific pattern help separate it from .

Appearance

Small with wingspan of 15–19 mm. are pale whitish gray, slightly darker along the inner margin. Discal dots and transverse dark markings are blackish and strongly contrasted, particularly toward the .

Distribution

Found in the United States: Texas, Utah, Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

Diet

feed on .

Ecological Role

Larval on suggests potential role as agent of scale insect .

Human Relevance

May provide incidental of pests in agricultural and horticultural settings.

Tags

Sources and further reading