Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Frechinia laetalis (Barnes & McDunnough, 1914)
Titanio laetalis Barnes & McDunnough, 1914
* phylogenetic sequence #144650
Explanation of Names
Laetalis is from Latin meaning "joyful".
Size
Forewing length 4.5-6.0 mm.
(1)Identification
Adult - forewing white with yellowish-brown patches and some gray scales; PM line white, curving in long arc from costa to mid-way along inner margin; medium brownish-gray patch inside PM line contains white scales along veins; hindwing white in male, dark gray in female.
Genitalia:
Range
Most widespread of this genus, from eastern Washington and Oregon to Utah, southern California, and western Texas.
(1)Season
Adults fly from April to October in California.
(1)Remarks
Type locality: USA, Arizona, Redington
See Also
Frechinia helianthiales forewing has dark gray patch inside PM line, with black scales along veins, whereas that same area in laetalis is paler with white scales along veins.
Print References
Barnes, W. & J. H. McDunnough 1914. Some new North American Pyraustinae. Contributions to the natural history of the Lepidoptera of North America 2(6):
238,
pl.2, fig. 16.
Powell, J. A. & P. A. Opler 2009. Moths of Western North America. University of California Press. pl.21.37f, p.170
Internet References
Moth Photographers Group – images of pinned adults
(2)
BOLD Systems - images of pinned DNA supported specimens
(3)
presence in California; list of 8 specimens with dates and locations (U. of California at Berkeley)
