Clepsis anderslaneyii

Dombroskie & Brown, 2009

Clepsis anderslaneyii is a small tortricid described in 2009 from montane regions of southeastern Arizona. The is known from three mountain ranges at elevations between 1,490 and 1,770 meters. fly during summer months, with records from July to August. The species name honors the marriage of Sara Anderson and Malcolm Slaney.

Clepsis anderslaneyii by (c) jimeckert49, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Clepsis anderslaneyii: /ˈklɛpsɪs ændərsˈleɪnijaɪ/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Clepsis by combination of small size, straw yellow forewing ground color with dark brown speckling, white hindwings, and restricted montane distribution in southeastern Arizona. The specific pattern of dark speckling on pale yellow forewings and the white hindwings with possible light brown marginal suffusion are key visual characters. Genitalia examination may be required for definitive identification from similar .

Images

Appearance

Small with forewings 8.5–9 mm in males and 8–9.5 mm in females. Forewing ground color straw yellow with dark brown speckling. Hindwings white, sometimes suffused with light brown on outer margins.

Habitat

Montane forests in the Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Santa Rita mountains of southeastern Arizona. Recorded at elevations from 1,490 to 1,770 meters, suggesting association with mixed conifer or pine-oak woodland zones typical of these sky island ranges.

Distribution

to three mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona, United States: Chiricahua Mountains, Huachuca Mountains, and Santa Rita Mountains. No records from other regions.

Seasonality

active from July to August, probably in one per year. period coincides with summer monsoon season in the region.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larval unknown; other Clepsis are leafrollers that use silk to bind leaves for shelter and feeding.

Behavior

are and attracted to light. Single suggested by restricted adult period.

Ecological Role

Presumed herbivore in larval stage based on characteristics; specific role in montane unknown.

Human Relevance

No known economic or agricultural significance. name commemorates a marriage, representing a personal rather than scientific naming convention.

Similar Taxa

Clepsis peritanaSimilar size and yellowish forewing coloration, but C. peritana has broader distribution across western North America and different forewing pattern with more distinct markings rather than diffuse speckling
Other Clepsis speciesMany share general tortricid ; precise identification requires examination of genitalia and attention to specific color pattern details and geographic range

More Details

Etymology

Named in honor of the marriage of Sara Anderson and Malcolm Slaney, with the specific epithet combining elements of both surnames

Conservation Status

Known from only three mountain ranges with limited elevational band; potentially vulnerable to climate change effects on montane , though no formal assessment has been conducted