Gelechiidae
Guides
Monochroa harrisonella
Monochroa harrisonella is a gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1904. It is a small moth with distinctive wing markings, including a prominent black streak on the forewing fold and a round black spot at the end of the cell. The species has been recorded across a broad North American range spanning the Pacific coast and Florida.
Monochroa robusta
Monochroa robusta is a small gelechiid moth described by Annette Frances Braun in 1921. The species is known from limited records in Ohio and South Carolina, with a wingspan of 11–12 mm. Larvae are leaf miners on Scirpus atrovirens, creating distinctive mines that begin as small transparent blotches and expand toward the leaf tip.
Naera fuscocristatella
Naera fuscocristatella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Chambers in 1875. It is the sole species in the genus Naera. The species is known from scattered records across the south-central United States, with documented occurrences in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be genuinely rare, undercollected, or difficult to detect.
Nealyda
Nealyda is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, described by Dietz in 1900. It belongs to the subfamily Anomologinae and tribe Anomologini. The genus is recognized in major taxonomic databases but remains poorly documented in biological literature. Species within this genus are minute to small in size, consistent with the general morphology of gelechiid moths.
Neodactylota
Neodactylota is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. The genus contains four described species, all named by Hodges in 1966 except N. snellenella, which was described earlier by Walsingham in 1888. These moths belong to the subfamily Gelechiinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within the Gelechiidae. The genus was established by Busck.
Neopalpa
Neopalpa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, tribe Gnorimoschemini. The genus was established in 1998 and contains at least two described species. It is most closely related to the genera Ochrodia and Ephysteris. One species, Neopalpa donaldtrumpi, gained international attention when described in 2017 due to its distinctive yellowish-white head scales that resemble a particular hairstyle, and was named to draw attention to conservation needs for fragile desert habitats.
Neopalpa neonata
Neopalpa neonata is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Povolný in 1998. It is one of only two species in the genus Neopalpa, which is restricted to the southwestern North American desert region. The species has been recorded from California, Arizona, and western Mexico. Its congener, Neopalpa donaldtrumpi, was described in 2017 and shares the same general distribution.
Neotelphusa on-myricaceae
Neotelphusa on-myricaceae is a species of gelechiid moth. The specific epithet references its association with Myricaceae (bayberry family). Information on this species is limited in published literature.
Nevadopalpa
Nevadopalpa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Povolný in 1998. The genus contains seven described species, all described by Povolný between 1998 and 1999. All known species are endemic to California and Nevada in western North America. The genus name reflects its primary distribution in the Great Basin region centered on Nevada.
Ornativalva
A genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, containing approximately 50 described species arranged into seven species groups. Most species occur in arid and semi-arid regions of the Palearctic, with particular diversity in the Mediterranean, North Africa, Central Asia, and China. Several species have been documented as significant pests of tamarisk shrubs.
Pexicopiini
Pexicopiini is a tribe of small moths within the subfamily Anomologinae of the family Gelechiidae, established by Hodges in 1986. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological features of the male genitalia, particularly musculature patterns that distinguish constituent genera. Recent taxonomic work has clarified relationships within the tribe, including the establishment of new genera based on functional morphology of genital structures. The tribe includes genera distributed primarily in the Palearctic region.
Phthorimaea
Phthorimaea is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1902. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across the Americas and other regions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth) and Phthorimaea absoluta (South American leafminer/tomato leafminer), which infest Solanaceae crops worldwide. The genus is characterized by its association with nightshade family plants and has been the subject of intensive research due to the invasive potential and management challenges posed by its pest species.
Phthorimaea operculella
potato tuber moth, tobacco splitworm
Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the potato tuber moth or tobacco splitworm, is a gelechiid moth and major agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops worldwide. The species is oligophagous, feeding primarily on potato tubers and foliage, but also attacks tomato, tobacco, eggplant, and pepper plants. Larval mining of tubers and leaves causes substantial economic damage, rendering potatoes unmarketable. The species has achieved near-global distribution, particularly in subtropical, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, and is subject to extensive integrated pest management efforts including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical interventions.
Platyedra
Platyedra is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. Some species are significant agricultural pests, particularly Platyedra gossypiella (Pink Bollworm), which attacks cotton, and Platyedra malvella (Hollyhock Seed Moth), which feeds on hollyhock seeds. The genus exhibits variation in life history strategies, with some species having facultative larval diapause influenced by environmental humidity. Species occur across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Polyhymno n-sp-one
Polyhymno n-sp-one is an undescribed species within the genus Polyhymno, a group of small gelechiid moths. The specific epithet "n-sp-one" indicates this is a placeholder designation for a species awaiting formal description. Members of this genus generally exhibit narrow, elongated forewings with distinctive patterning. The species is known from specimen records but lacks published taxonomic treatment.
Polyhymno n-sp-three
Polyhymno n-sp-three is an undescribed species within the genus Polyhymno, a group of small gelechiid moths. As a member of this genus, it is expected to be a minute moth with narrow, lanceolate forewings. The species awaits formal description and naming.
Prolita
Prolita is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, tribe Litini. The genus contains approximately 22 described species, many of which were described by Hodges in 1966. Species are distributed across North America and parts of Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The genus was established by Leraut in 1993.
Prolita geniata
Prolita geniata is a small gelechiid moth described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1966. It is known from a restricted range in the western United States, specifically California and Nevada. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterning with brown forewings that lighten to buff white at the tips, marked by nearly black discal spots. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Prolita princeps
Prolita princeps is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1910. It is found in western North America, with records from California, Washington, Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, and British Columbia. The wingspan ranges from 16.5 to 20 mm. The species is characterized by distinctive scale patterns on the forewings, with buff white and brown coloration.
Prolita variabilis
Prolita variabilis is a gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1903. It is distributed across western and central North America, with records from California to Saskatchewan. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterning with conspicuous black longitudinal lines on the forewings. Larvae feed on Ericameria linearifolia, a shrub in the Asteraceae family.
Pseudochelaria
Pseudochelaria is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Dietz in 1900. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. Species within this genus appear to be associated with specific host plants in the Ericaceae family, including manzanita and madrone.
Pseudochelaria manzanitae
Pseudochelaria manzanitae is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Keifer in 1930. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from California and Arizona. The specific epithet "manzanitae" suggests a potential association with manzanita (Arctostaphylos) plants, though this relationship remains to be confirmed.
Pseudochelaria pennsylvanica
Pseudochelaria pennsylvanica is a gelechiid moth described by Dietz in 1900. It occurs in eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Arizona to the Atlantic seaboard. The species belongs to a genus of small moths whose larvae typically feed on plant material, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. Like other members of Gelechiidae, adults are likely nocturnal and attracted to light.
Pseudochelaria walsinghami
Pseudochelaria walsinghami is a small gelechiid moth described by Dietz in 1900. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from 15 U.S. states. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm and exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with dark brown markings, a longitudinal stripe, and a whitish apical fascia. Larvae feed on staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), living under white silk webs on leaf undersides and along petioles.
Pseudotelphusa
Pseudotelphusa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Janse in 1958. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Species in this genus are generally small with wingspans typical of gelechiid moths. The genus includes both day-flying and nocturnal species, with some exhibiting characteristic wing patterns of pale ground color with darker markings.
Pseudotelphusa quercinigracella
A small gelechiid moth described by Chambers in 1872. Records indicate presence in the eastern and central United States. Specific biology remains poorly documented.
Pubitelphusa latifasciella
White-banded Telphusa Moth, White-banded Pubitelphusa Moth
Pubitelphusa latifasciella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, recognized by its distinctive white band across the dark brown forewings. The species occurs widely across eastern and central North America, from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas. It is frequently observed and photographed, with over 2,300 records on iNaturalist. The specific epithet 'latifasciella' refers to the broad (lati-) band or fascia (-fasciella) on the forewing.
Recurvaria
Recurvaria is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Haworth in 1828. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Several species are economically significant as pests of coniferous trees and pistachio, with larvae that mine needles or feed internally within fruits. The genus exhibits diverse life history strategies, including univoltine and bivoltine cycles, with some species requiring two years to complete development.
Recurvaria consimilis
A small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 8.5–9.5 mm, recorded from the east-central United States. The larvae are leaf miners that feed specifically on Ceanothus americanus. First described by Braun in 1930.
Recurvaria nanella
Lesser Bud Moth
Recurvaria nanella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 10–12 mm. It is native to the Palearctic region, with a wide distribution across Europe, Turkey, the Near East, North Africa, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, and south-eastern Siberia. Populations in North America are considered introduced. Adults are active during summer months.
Rifseria fuscotaeniaella
Rifseria fuscotaeniaella is a small moth and the sole species in the monotypic genus Rifseria, family Gelechiidae. It is endemic to western North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies through the Rocky Mountain region to the Pacific coast. The species was originally described as Gelechia fuscotaeniaella by Chambers in 1878. It is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats including sagebrush steppe and dry open woodlands.
Scrobipalpa
Scrobipalpa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Janse in 1951. The genus contains over 100 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and introduced populations in North America and Australasia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of sugar beet, quinoa, tobacco, and eggplant. The genus was historically split with Euscrobipalpa treated as a subgenus or separate genus, but this distinction is no longer recognized as valid.
Scrobipalpa acuminatella
pointed groundling
A small gelechiid moth with distinctive pointed forewings, found across Europe, Asia, and recently established in Canada. The species is notable for its association with thistles and related Asteraceae plants. Adults fly from spring through summer, with larvae mining or feeding on host foliage.
Scrobipalpa artemisiella
thyme moth
Scrobipalpa artemisiella, commonly known as the thyme moth, is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 10–12 mm. The species is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and has unconfirmed records from North America. Adults are active in summer, and larvae are specialized feeders on thyme and related aromatic herbs.
Scrobipalpopsis
Scrobipalpopsis is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Povolný in 1967. The genus contains six described species distributed primarily in North America and Europe. These moths belong to the tribe Gnorimoschemini, a group known for larvae that often feed internally on plant tissues. Species within this genus are poorly known biologically, with limited documentation of their life histories and host associations.
Scrobipalpula lycii
Scrobipalpula lycii is a species of gelechiid moth described in 2001. It is known only from California, where it appears to be associated with Lycium californicum. The species is poorly documented, with no confirmed observations in citizen science databases.
Scrobipalpula sacculicola
A small moth in the family Gelechiidae described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. The species name 'sacculicola' suggests an association with sac-like structures, possibly indicating a host or habitat relationship. Records remain sparse, with confirmed observations from three U.S. states.
Scrobipalpuloides spinosa
Scrobipalpuloides spinosa is a moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Povolný in 2000. It is known from California in North America. No observations of this species have been recorded on iNaturalist. Information regarding its biology, host plants, and ecology remains undocumented in available sources.
Sinoe
Sinoe is a genus of moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Chambers in 1873. The genus belongs to the tribe Litini within the subfamily Gelechiinae. Members of this genus are small moths typical of the gelechiid form, with narrow wings and often subdued coloration. The genus has been documented through substantial observational records, with over 1,900 observations reported on iNaturalist.
Sinoe robiniella
Sinoe robiniella is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with timing varying by latitude. The species is specialized on leguminous host plants, with larvae feeding on black locust and related species. It was originally described as Anacampsis robiniella by Asa Fitch in 1859.
Sitotroga cerealella
Angoumois grain moth
Sitotroga cerealella, the Angoumois grain moth, is a gelechiid moth and the type species of its genus. It is a significant pest of stored cereal grains, particularly wheat and corn. The species serves as a factitious host for mass rearing of the parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis in biological control programs. Laboratory studies indicate sensitivity to gamma irradiation and thermal stress, with dose-dependent effects on egg viability and adult longevity.
Sophronia
Sophronia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Hübner in 1825. These moths are part of the diverse gelechioid lineage, one of the largest superfamilies of Lepidoptera. The genus contains multiple species distributed across various regions, though individual species are often poorly documented in scientific literature.
Sriferia cockerella
Sriferia cockerella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1903. It is characterized by striking wing coloration with a sharp diagonal boundary between yellow and dark brown forewing areas, marked by three metallic golden spots. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Stegasta
rednecked peanutworm moths
Stegasta is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1904. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The best-known species, Stegasta bosqueella (rednecked peanutworm), is a significant agricultural pest of peanut crops in South and Central America. Larvae of this species feed within closed leaflets, causing characteristic symmetrical damage patterns. Other species in the genus appear to be associated with various host plants, though detailed biology remains poorly documented for most.
Stegasta
Stegasta is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably the rednecked peanutworm (Stegasta bosqueella), which is the primary lepidopteran pest of peanut crops in South and Central America. Species in this genus are characterized by their small size and association with leguminous host plants.
Stegasta bosqueella
Red-necked Peanutworm Moth, Rednecked Peanutworm
Stegasta bosqueella is a gelechiid moth whose larvae are significant pests of peanut crops, particularly in South and Central America. The species has also been documented in North America from Alabama to Virginia. Adults are small moths attracted to light, while larvae feed concealed within closed peanut leaflets, producing distinctive symmetrical damage patterns upon leaf expansion. The species has been successfully managed using attract-and-kill strategies targeting adults.
Stegasta capitella
Teaweed Moth
Stegasta capitella, commonly known as the teaweed moth, is a small gelechiid moth described by Fabricius in 1794. The species occurs in the West Indies and southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Adults are active from February through August, with additional activity in October and December in Florida. The larvae feed on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Sida spinosa.
Strobisia
Strobisia is a genus of micro-moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Clemens in 1860. The genus contains seven described species distributed primarily in North America. The best-known species, Strobisia iridipennella, is notable for its striking iridescent wing coloration and diminutive size, with a wingspan of approximately 1 centimeter. Members of this genus are part of the diverse gelechiid fauna but remain poorly studied compared to many larger moth groups.
Strobisia iridipennella
Iridescent Strobisia Moth
Strobisia iridipennella is a micro-moth in the family Gelechiidae, notable for its striking iridescent wing coloration. First described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860, this species is among the smallest moths in North America, with a wingspan of approximately 1 centimeter. It inhabits the southeastern and central United States, ranging from New York south to Florida and west to Texas and Illinois, with records extending into Mexico.
Symmetrischema
Symmetrischema is a genus of gelechiid moths established by Povolný in 1967. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably the Andean potato tuber moth (S. tangolias), which causes severe postharvest losses to stored potatoes in highland regions. Some species exhibit specialized feeding strategies, including the ability to induce parthenocarpic fruit development in host plants. The genus occurs across the Americas with at least one species introduced to Oceania.