Hystrichophora ochreicostana
(Walsingham, 1884)
Hystrichophora ochreicostana is a small tortricid in the leafroller Tortricidae. The Hystrichophora contains that are challenging to identify to species level from photographs alone. This species has been recorded in the Canadian prairie provinces. Like other tortricids, its larval stage is expected to feed within rolled or folded leaves.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hystrichophora ochreicostana: //hɪˌstrɪkoʊˈfɔːrə ˌoʊkˌɹaɪˈkɒstænə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of Hystrichophora are small that are difficult to distinguish from similar tortricids without close examination. The specific epithet "ochreicostana" suggests ochre-colored costal markings may be present. Definitive identification to level typically requires genitalia dissection or other microscopic examination.
Distribution
Recorded from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada. The has been observed in prairie with cottonwood groves and nearby wetlands in Colorado, suggesting western North American distribution.
Seasonality
have been observed in July based on National Week records from Colorado.
Similar Taxa
- Hystrichophora sp. (unidentified species)Other members of the Hystrichophora are visually similar and require detailed examination for separation; the source material notes difficulty in identifying specimens to level.
- Clepsis peritana (Garden Tortrix)Another small tortricid found in similar and attracted to lights; differs in specific wing pattern details.
More Details
Taxonomic Uncertainty in Field Observations
The source material explicitly notes that "A good number of defy identification" and that a specimen photographed at Chico Basin Ranch was identified only as "probably another tortricid moth, in the Hystrichophora" without -level confirmation. This indicates that field identification of H. ochreicostana versus is problematic.