Metallic-markings
Guides
Cosmopterix
cosmet moths
Cosmopterix is a large genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, characterized by narrow lanceolate forewings with distinctive yellow or orange transverse fasciae bordered by metallic silver or golden tubercular scales. The genus is globally distributed with particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, including 77 recognized species in continental Sub-Saharan Africa alone. Larvae are leaf miners on diverse herbaceous plants including grasses, bamboos, and members of Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and other families.
Cosmopterix bacata
Cosmopterix bacata is a small moth species in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Hodges in 1962. It is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. Adults are characterized by distinctive metallic markings on the forewings and specific white pattern elements on the head, thorax, and legs. The species has been collected during spring and mid-summer months.
Cosmopterix teligera
Cosmopterix teligera is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, characterized by distinctive metallic markings on dark brown forewings. The species occurs from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. Adults are active primarily during warmer months in temperate regions, with year-round activity likely in tropical areas.
Dichomeris ochripalpella
Shining Dichomeris Moth
A small gelechiid moth found in eastern North America. Adults are recognized by distinctive steel-blue metallic markings on deep brown forewings. The species was described by Zeller in 1873. Larvae are known to feed on plants in the Asteraceae family.
Lithariapteryx
sun moths
Lithariapteryx is a genus of small sun moths in the family Heliodinidae, established by Chambers in 1876. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members are characterized by their minute size, with wingspans around 1 centimeter or less, and distinctive metallic silver markings. The genus is part of the Yponomeutoidea superfamily, a group of small moths often referred to as microlepidoptera.
Lithariapteryx elegans
Elegant jewel-studded sun moth
A micro-moth in the family Heliodinidae with a wingspan of approximately 1 centimeter. The species exhibits distinctive metallic silver markings that appear as if liquid mercury has been applied to the wings. The abdomen is banded with silver. It has been documented from west Texas. The genus Lithariapteryx belongs to the sun moth family Heliodinidae, a group of small moths often noted for their metallic or iridescent wing patterns.
Lithariapteryx jubarella
Orange-banded jewel-studded sun moth
Lithariapteryx jubarella is a micro-moth species in the family Heliodinidae, first described by Comstock in 1940. The species is known by the common name Orange-banded jewel-studded sun moth. Members of this genus are characterized by their minute size and metallic wing markings. The closely related species Lithariapteryx abroniaeella has been documented with a wingspan of approximately 1 centimeter and distinctive silver-banded abdomen with liquid mercury-like wing markings.