Meroptera cviatella
Dyar, 1905
poplar bud borer moth
Meroptera cviatella, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1905, is a small snout moth in the Pyralidae. have distinctive reddish-brown and purplish-gray wing patterning. The is known from scattered localities across central and eastern North America. Larvae are specialized bud borers on Populus species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Meroptera cviatella: //mɛrˈɒptərə kvɪəˈtɛlə//
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Identification
The contrasting reddish-brown marginal areas with purplish-gray central wing field distinguishes from other small Phycitinae. The specific association with Populus buds supports larval identification.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan 22–25 mm. Forewing base, , and inner margin broadly bright reddish brown; central area beyond base purplish gray.
Habitat
Associated with Populus stands; specific requirements beyond presence not documented.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Quebec.
Diet
Larvae feed on buds of Populus .
Host Associations
- Populus - larval buds
Similar Taxa
- Other Meroptera speciesSimilar size and general ; wing pattern and geographic range help distinguish
- Other Phycitinae associated with PopulusShared use; wing coloration and pattern differ
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1905. The specific epithet 'cviatella' appears to be an unusual formation; etymology not documented in sources.