Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169
Calosima dianella
This record describes Calosima dianella (species). Recorded family: Blastobasidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adamski (2003) stated The Blastobasinae are probably one of the most commonly collected groups of Gelechioidea in the Americas. Yet this group is one of the least known to science. Generally, species are gray or brown with low interspecific variation, making identifications difficult without the examination of the genitalia. ( 4 ) Dietz (1910) original description is online in the print references . Also see description by Clarke for lepidophaga . Both describe this species are having wings unmarked. BOLD has some examples with spots. Those with marks and without marks are in two different BIN groups which do not appear to be closely related. Misidentification seems likely. Genitalia: Caution using images of DNA tested specimens on the BOLD species page. There appear to be errors. See Identification above.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Blastobasidae (Scavenger Moths)
- Subfamily
- Blastobasinae
- Tribe
- Holcocerini
- Genus
- Calosima
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Heppner (2003) reported the range to include Georgia and Florida to Texas. ( 5 ) Moth Photographers Group includes South Carolina and Tennessee. ( 3 ) Oklahoma record on Bug Guide.
Seasonal Activity
The main flight period for areas outside of Florida appears to be April to September. ( 3 ) Heppner (2003) reported January to May, July, and August in Florida. ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Heppner (2003) listed two species of pine. ( 5 ) Pinus elliotti Engelm. (slash pine). P. palustris Mill. (longleaf pine).
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Calosima dianella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz | Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Blocky , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169
What is Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169?
Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169 (Calosima dianella) is a species in the family Blastobasidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169?
Dietz (1910) listed a wingspan of 13.5 mm. Clarke 1960) listed a wingspan for lepidophaga of 11-17 mm.
How do you identify Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169?
Adamski (2003) stated The Blastobasinae are probably one of the most commonly collected groups of Gelechioidea in the Americas. Yet this group is one of the least known to science. Generally, species are gray or brown with low interspecific variation, making identifications difficult without the examination of the genitalia. ( 4 ) Dietz (1910) original description is online in the print references . Also see description by Clarke for lepidophaga . Both describe this species are having wings unmarked. BOLD has some examples with spots. Those with marks and without marks are in two different BIN groups which do not appear to be closely related. Misidentification seems likely. Genitalia:
Where is Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169 found?
Range: Heppner (2003) reported the range to include Georgia and Florida to Texas. ( 5 ) Moth Photographers Group includes South Carolina and Tennessee. ( 3 ) Oklahoma record on Bug Guide.
What does Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169 eat?
The diet of the Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169 includes Heppner (2003) listed two species of pine. ( 5 ) Pinus elliotti Engelm. (slash pine). P. palustris Mill. (longleaf pine)..
When is Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169 active?
Eastern pine catkin borer moth - Hodges#1169: seasonal activity - The main flight period for areas outside of Florida appears to be April to September. ( 3 ) Heppner (2003) reported January to May, July, and August in Florida. ( 5 ).