Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Acrolophus cressoni (Walsingham, 1882)
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Eulepiste cressoni Walsingham, 1882
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(3) Explanation of Names
Specific epithet in honor of entomologist Ezra Townsend
Cresson (1838-1926), who specialized in Hymenoptera.
Numbers
Acrolophus has more than 53 named species in America north of Mexico.
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There are many new species awaiting description.
Size
Wingspan averages 15-20 mm.
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(3)Identification
The original description as
Eulepiste cressoni Walsingham, 1882 and the Hasbrouck 1964 revised description as
Acrolophus cressoni (Walsingham) are available online in the print references below or PDF.
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Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD).
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The only small Acrolophus with small palps and raised scales all over the forewings, giving the moth a bumpy appearance:
The only Acrolophus this could be mistaken for in the East is simulatus, but that species has long palps. However, the genus Amydria appears to be frequently confused with A. cressoni. Amydria has no raised scales on the forewings, which allows it to be separated from cressoni with relative ease:
Range
Arizona to Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida.
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Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Season
Adults have been recorded mostly from May through October.
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(12)Food
Larval host is grass species. (Gramineae).
(12)See Also
Compare to related species on the pinned plates of
Moth Photographers Group.
Print References
Hasbrouck, F.F. 1964. Moths of the family Acrolophidae in America north of Mexico (Microlepidoptera).
Proceedings of the United States National Museum. 114:
592 (1)
Walsingham, L. 1882. Notes on Tineidae of North America.
Transactions of the American Entomological Society. 10:
169.
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Walsingham, L. 1887. A revision of the genera
Acrolophus,
Poey, and
Anaphora, Clem.
The Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 35(2):
142.
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