small iridescent moth - Epimartyria auricrinella

This hasn't been moved to the species page

because of the location in Washington state. How certain are you of the ID?

… john and jane balaban, 31 January, 2016 - 11:20pm

See Lee's additions to the guide page

They include a citation of Pohl et al. (2015). I just checked that reference, and it states: "This species is known in BC from a specimen in the NSPM, collected at Prince George BC by B. and G. Wright on 9 July 1984. A second specimen was collected in 2015 near 100 Mile house by DH." Why J-F Landry was unaware of the 1984 specimen, I don't know.

… Charley Eiseman, 1 February, 2016 - 6:05am

Barry Wright specimen 1984

B. Wright deposited the specimen in the Nova Scotia (Provincial) Museum. It's a miracle anyone found it.
The second one - in 2015 was picked up by Dave Holden- he is co-author of the Checklist of the Lepidoptera of British Columbia, 2015.

… Lee Penner, 1 February, 2016 - 10:53am

Excellent detective work, Lee!

This occurrence (good find, Lynette!) just proves the need for Bug Guide and the great contribution that amateurs can make to distributional knowledge of even non-bird critters. Kudos to all!

… Tony Leukering, 1 February, 2016 - 11:43am

Moved

Moved from Moths.

… Lee Penner, 31 January, 2016 - 9:37pm

Goldcap Moss-eater Moth - Hodges#0001 (Epimartyria auricrinella

Awesome. Thanks for the ID.

… Lynette Elliott, 5 February, 2016 - 6:55am

Hmmm

I found a very similar looking specimen here in New Jersey:

… Dan Leeder, 19 December, 2015 - 3:29am

Lynette and Charie,

Is there any safe place we can put this spectacular moth, or could anyone just send it to Terry Harrison? I don't want it to get lost!!

… A. Hendrickson, 11 January, 2015 - 6:56pm

Since this beast...

seems like it belongs in Epimartyria, couldn't we move it to the genus, family, or some such level, rather than let it languish among the host of images in 'Moths' that may never be sorted?

… Tony Leukering, 14 September, 2015 - 8:39pm

Epimartyria or Incurvariidae

Since Jean-François Landry expressed uncertainty about which superfamily this moth belongs in, it doesn't seem there's much we can do with it at this point.

… Charley Eiseman, 14 September, 2015 - 8:52pm

Wow.

And thanks.

… Tony Leukering, 14 September, 2015 - 8:56pm

Unfortunately...

If Jean-François Landry and Don Davis can't put a name on this moth, there's not much to be done with it until someone is able to find another one and collect it.

… Charley Eiseman, 12 January, 2015 - 4:34pm

Did we ever find out

if this is #0001

… john and jane balaban, 9 November, 2012 - 1:33pm

The resemblance

to Epimartyria auricrinella is striking. But there do not seem to be any western records, known only to Eastern U.S. and SE Canada per BOLD Systems.

… Marcia Morris, 12 January, 2015 - 3:11pm

Sadly...

I went back multiple times and never saw this one again. =(

… Lynette Elliott, 9 November, 2012 - 5:03pm

From Eric LaGasa

Here is a link to the abstract for the new publication on the tiny primitive moths (Epimartyria spp.);

The whole publication is available free download (PDF) from the site too.

From the publication, I think your species would be bimaculella, but Chris and I have some questions on the occurrence of “bimaculella” that don’t have “two spots” on the forewing. The nature of science, eh?

… Lynette Elliott, 1 May, 2012 - 5:34pm

From Jean-François Landry (coauthor of that paper):

"Intriguing. The posture looks micropterigid. If that, this is astounding. However, it may be an incurvariid, especially this early in the season. I forwarded it to Don Davis. Do these photographers collect or retain specimens they picture? With micros I sure wish they’d do."

I made the necessary guide pages, but then thought I might as well ask Dr. Landry for his thoughts before deciding where to move them. I'll let you know if Don Davis has anything to add.

… Charley Eiseman, 3 May, 2012 - 2:21pm

thanks, Lynette & Charley

suspenseful story. hoping for a happy end.

… v belov, 3 May, 2012 - 2:24pm

Oh yes good stuff

I'll go back this weekend with kids & nets and catch some of these little guys. Hopefully, they'll still be there!

… Lynette Elliott, 3 May, 2012 - 5:23pm

by all means, do!

those chewing moths are incredible
(keep in mind i'm also trying to improve my disgraceful track record as lep-hater; it's actually not as bad as it looks --i do like the tiny ones)))

… v belov, 3 May, 2012 - 5:34pm

years ago i

found a purple one similar..no camera in those days

… Edna Woodward, 1 May, 2012 - 10:28am