Epinotia perplexana - Crocidosema

Possibly Crocidosema plebejana

I should have added that C. plebejana is sexually dimorphic. Previously, all the live images, except for Mark Lawlor's, at MPG were females. I'm adding a male by Mark Dreiling from CA because that's the only species in the genus known from that state.

… Steve Nanz, 27 October, 2018 - 4:02am

If Mark's is a confirmed ID t

If Mark's is a confirmed ID then I have to agree that mine is Crocidosema plebejana.

… Ken Childs, 27 October, 2018 - 12:47pm

Not Exactly Confirmed

Mark's image, posted at BugGuide here, is confirmed only on that Powell & Opler state that plebejana is the only Crocidosema found in California (1). Michael has not commented on that. Regardless, I moved all BugGuide males from CA to plebejana. Previously, all the images in BugGuide were of females which includes one of your own. I do not know what other possibilities might be in TN. I think yours and all the others like it with the possible exceptions of those from TX, are probably plebejana. Unless there is a species undescribed or unknown in the US, I don't see what else it could be. Michael, who is far more knowledgeable, is not sure. He indicated that this is a genus which requires more study. I think that dissection would settle the matter.

… Steve Nanz, 28 October, 2018 - 3:19am

Moved to Crocidosema

Moved from Epinotia perplexana.

Michael Sabourin is no longer sure this is perplexana. It does not match the type which has been posted at MPG. Jim Vargo has a dissected Crocidosema plebejana specimen which is similar.

Also note that perplexana is now in the genus Crocidosema.

… Steve Nanz, 24 October, 2018 - 6:18am