Unknown Micromoth: Ethmia trifurcella? - Blastodacna

Moved

… Steve Nanz, 18 May, 2016 - 4:30am

BOLD:AAB2791 - nr. Blastodacna bicristatella

BOLD shows specimens similar to this under Blastodacna bicristatella. The species contains two Barcode Index Number Registry (BIN) groups. The two BINs are each others closest neighbors though the separation at about 8% suggests they are not the same species. Based on the original description, one appears correctly identified but the other, BOLD:AAB2791 appears to be a missidetification. I think that both this and Aaron Hunt's example are the apparently undescribed species represented by that BIN. The BOLD data points include Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.

Compare:

… Steve Nanz, 14 May, 2016 - 4:59am

Thanks, Steve!

Pleased to learn of the possible genus on this little guy! I'll have to find another in a week or two. And if I do, you can be sure I will collect it.

… Carl Barrentine, 14 May, 2016 - 8:23am

Another one

I found one that looks just like yours. I, too, released mine. My find would be a significant range extension beyond ND, WI, and WV…

… Aaron Hunt, 13 May, 2016 - 10:07pm

Interesting, Aaron!

Thanks for sharing!

… Carl Barrentine, 14 May, 2016 - 8:21am

Moved

Moved from Gelechioidea.

… Steve Nanz, 1 May, 2014 - 4:13am

Blastodacna

Although Mompha is a sound suggestion given the forewing tufts, I believe this is something in Blastodacna. It belongs to the former Agonoxenidae, which now is a subfamily, Agonoxeninae, of Elachistidae. I believe that this moth is the same as a species that I have dissected (individuals from Wisconsin and West Virginia); if so, then it is undescribed.

… Terry Harrison, 30 April, 2014 - 10:28pm

Thanks, Terry!

Golly, I reckon that I should probably collect this moth next time I find it. I'm absolutely terrible at the task of pinning these micros, but perhaps I could simply freeze it and send it along to you or someone else working on this genus? Let me know. Thanks for the information!

… Carl Barrentine, 1 May, 2014 - 6:38am

Moved to Gelechioidea

Moved from Moths.

I think that if this is not Mompha, it's close to it. The problem is that it is unclear where Mompha fits in taxonomically so I'm not sure in what family to place this. Mompha was in it's own family and is now in Coleophoridae but I recall that some of it's closest relatives are in Elachistidae.

… Steve Nanz, 26 February, 2014 - 9:36am

Thanks, Steve!

I reckon this will all get sorted out one day! Thanks for looking! ;-)

… Carl Barrentine, 26 February, 2014 - 10:03am

Hi Carl

I know you're hoping for "expert" advise but I would include this under the "any help (wink)" category. I took a look at the ethmia plates at the MPG and none of that genus have the prominent raised scales of your moth. I'm drawn to Mompha. They have the raised scales and general body shape of your moth but I don't find any with the white patch along the length of the costa like yours, even on the pinned plates at MPG. Check them out here. Now, I too am hoping an expert wanders by.

… Randy Hardy, 26 May, 2011 - 6:11pm

Hi Randy!

Excellent call! This specimen must be in the genus Mompha! You've not convinced me that you are not an expert. A novice (like me) can occasionally get the right order and family; experts (like you) can usually get the right genus and species. ;-) Candidly, moths befuddle me. It's unusual when I get to see two individuals of the same moth species, and I can usually be assured of finding one to three new species of moths (for me anyway) every time I go moth hunting! Thanks for your sage insight on the identification of this peculiar but wonderful little moth! Now, I guess, we'll have to wait like wannabe Buddhas for further enlightenment. ;-)

… Carl Barrentine, 26 May, 2011 - 10:06pm

Hi Randy!

Excellent call! This specimen must be in the genus Mompha! You've not convinced me that you are an expert. A novice (like me) can occasionally get the right order and family; experts can usually get the right the right genus and species. ;-) Moths befuddle me. It's unusual when I get to see two individuals of the same species, and I can be assured of finding one to three new species (for me anyway) just about every time I go moth hunting! Thanks for your sage insight on the identification of this peculiar but wonderful little moth! ;-)

… Carl Barrentine, 26 May, 2011 - 10:00pm

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Carl Barrentine, 24 May, 2011 - 2:53pm