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Photo#320948
scythridine xylorictids

scythridine xylorictids
Tarrant County, Texas, USA
May 2, 2009
Size: 10-15 mm.
I discovered this moth while photographing wildflowers. There were dozens each on 3-4 flower heads of Asclepias asperula, Green-flowered Milkweed also known as Antelope Horns or Spider Milkweed. At first it looked like the flower heads were moving.

The 5 white stamens with large, ball-like anthers, are colored black on the bottom side near the base and provided a perfect camouflage for these micro moths as they nectared on the milkweed.

If you notice, you can see a lot of the black/dark brown scales from the fringe of the moths on the flowers. All moths looked very fresh.

Any comments on personal observations of these would be appreciated.

Moved

 
scythridine xylorictids
Thanks for the move Charley.

Scythridines
These are scythridine xylorictids; it is not possible to sight ID them beyond this level.

 
scythridine xylorictids
I forgot to say thanks Terry

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

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