Philonome wielgusi

The combination of extremely small size (forewings under 3 mm), brown ground color with multiple discrete white markings (longitudinal fascia, costal fascia, subapical/apical spots, tornal patch, dorsal bar), and the specific pattern of the oblique costal fascia with adjacent dark brown line distinguishes this species from other Philonome. The white triangular tornal patch and oblique dorsal bar are particularly distinctive.

A minute moth with forewing length of 2.3–3 mm. Forewings are brown with dark brownish grey dorsum basally. Markings include: a white longitudinal fascia extending from base to basal one-third; a white costal fascia at distal two-fifths of costa, oblique and adjacent to a slender dark brown line on its anterior side; white subapical and apical spots; a white triangular tornal patch; and a white oblique dorsal bar. Hindwings are grey.

Known only from the south-western United States, specifically from Arizona. No additional localities have been recorded.

Named in honor of Ronald S. Wielgus, who collected nearly the entire type series.

• Other Philonome speciesShare minute size and general wing pattern elements, but differ in specific configuration and presence of white markings such as the triangular tornal patch and oblique dorsal bar.

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match