Species Monopis laevigella - Skin Moth - Hodges#0415.1

0415.1

Monopis laevigella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Tineae laevigella Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775 (1)

Monopis rusticella, Tinea rusticella Many more European synonyms.

Specific epithet possibly from Latin laevigatus meaning "smooth, polished." (2)

Body length 6-7 mm.

Wingspan 13-20 mm.

Head: Yellowish-white, long-haired (scaled). Palpi long, folded; pale yellowish white.

Antenna: Dark brown, segment 1 yellow.

Thorax: Dark brown with purplish cast.

Wings: Dark brown with purplish reflections, heavily, uniformly speckled with white; somewhat forming an uneven series of white spots along costa edge. White semi-transparent circle at mid wing. White speckling heavier around wing tip, but not patches. Fringe white mostly, mixed with some brown on inner margin near wing tip, but often absent on female. Hindwings gray-brown.

Legs: Brown and white striped.

Abdomen: Brown.

Across Canada, northern States and Tennessee.

May; again in Aug to Sept.

Rotting animals, owl pellets, bird nest debris, feathers, cloth.

2 generations per year.

Type specimens all European.

Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775. Ankündung eines systematischen Werkes von den Schmetterlingen der Wienergegend: 139. (1)

Species page at Moth Photographers Group

Ignaz Schiffermüller (1727-1806)