Phalonidia lepidana
(Clemens, 1860)
Phalonidia lepidana is a small tortricid native to eastern North America. are active from late spring through summer and possess a wingspan of 12–13 mm. The was first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860 under the name Argyrolepia lepidana. It belongs to the tribe Cochylini, a group of tortricid moths often associated with herbaceous plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phalonidia lepidana: //fəˌlɒnɪˈdiːə lɛpɪˈdænə//
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Identification
The small size (12–13 mm wingspan) and eastern North American distribution may help distinguish this from larger or geographically separated tortricids. Definitive identification likely requires examination of genitalia or , as is common for many small tortricid species. The tribe Cochylini to which it belongs can often be recognized by characteristic wing patterns, though specific diagnostic features for P. lepidana are not documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America. Recorded from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Vermont.
Seasonality
active from May to August.
Similar Taxa
- Other Phalonidia speciesThe Phalonidia contains multiple small tortricid that are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. Many share similar size ranges and geographic distributions in North America.
- Other Cochylini tribe membersMembers of this tribe often exhibit convergent morphological features and may overlap in size, use, and seasonal activity.
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described as Argyrolepia lepidana by Clemens in 1860, later transferred to the Phalonidia.
Observation data
iNaturalist records 554 observations, indicating the is moderately well-documented by citizen scientists.