Monopis

Hübner, 1825

fungus moths

Monopis is a of in the . Members are characterized by a semi-transparent pale spot near the middle of the , typically with contrasting markings adjacent to it. The forewings are otherwise generally unpatterned and to blackish-grey. Some have specialized associations, including bird and mammal nest remnants.

Monopis marginistrigella by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.Monopis by (c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Monopis by (c) carnifex, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by carnifex. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Monopis: //məˈnoʊ.pɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

possess a distinctive semi-transparent pale spot near the middle, with contrasting markings adjacent to this spot. Forewings otherwise unpatterned and colored to blackish-grey.

Images

Habitat

Varies by . Some species inhabit nest remnants of birds and mammals; Monopis jussii has been reared from nests of the owl (Aegolius funereus), Ural owl (Strix uralensis), and Great tit (Parus major).

Distribution

Boreo-montane distribution recorded for some ; M. jussii known from northern Europe and the Alps. GBIF records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont (USA).

Host Associations

  • Aegolius funereus - owl nest remnants used by M. jussii
  • Strix uralensis - Ural owl nest remnants used by M. jussii
  • Parus major - Great tit nest remnants used by M. jussii
  • Apanteles carpatus - Larval of M. crocicapitella in laboratory rearing

Life Cycle

of some develop in nest remnants.

Similar Taxa

  • M. laevigellaM. jussii closely related and morphologically similar, distinguished by COI barcode sequences, four nuclear loci, and coloration and pattern details

Sources and further reading