Pima albiplagiatella
Packard, 1874
White-edged Pima Moth, Beach Pea Borer
A small snout moth with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm, described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1874. The has one per year. Larvae are specialized feeders on Astragalus and Lathyrus species (legumes), with documented including Astragalus allochrous, A. thurberi, A. wootonii, and unspecified Lathyrus species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pima albiplagiatella: /ˈpiːmə ˌælbaɪˌplædʒiəˈtɛlə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Phycitinae by combination of small size (20 mm wingspan), geographic distribution, and association with Astragalus and Lathyrus plants. The specific epithet 'albiplagiatella' (white-edged) suggests pale marginal markings on wings, though diagnostic features for field identification are not well documented.
Appearance
Small with wingspan approximately 20 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details beyond the 'white-edged' are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with supporting plants in the Astragalus and Lathyrus. These leguminous plants occur in grasslands, shrublands, and open vegetated areas.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (primary range), with scattered records in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Manitoba, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Seasonality
One per year. period not explicitly documented, but likely synchronized with plant and regional climate patterns.
Diet
Larvae feed on Astragalus (A. allochrous, A. thurberi, A. wootonii) and Lathyrus species. feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Astragalus allochrous - larval food plant
- Astragalus thurberi - larval food plant
- Astragalus wootonii - larval food plant
- Lathyrus - larval food plant level only, specific not documented
Life Cycle
One per year (). Specific details of , larval, pupal, and stages are not documented beyond the single generation per year.
Ecological Role
Herbivore specializing on leguminous plants. Potential ecological role in nutrient cycling and as food source for , though not explicitly documented.
Human Relevance
'beach pea borer' suggests potential association with coastal Lathyrus . No documented economic impact as pest or beneficial insect.
Similar Taxa
- Other Pima speciesSimilar size, , and associations within Pima; specific differentiation requires examination of genitalia or molecular analysis
- Other Phycitinae mothsMany small snout moths share general appearance; plant specificity and geographic distribution aid identification
More Details
Nomenclature
The specific epithet 'albiplagiatella' derives from Latin 'albi-' (white) and 'plagiatella' (small edge/border), referring to presumed white marginal wing markings.
Taxonomic History
Described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1874, a prominent 19th century American entomologist.