Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291
Dichomeris bilobella
This record describes Dichomeris bilobella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult - forewing dark gray to blackish with large pale brownish-yellow patch extending from base along costa, then crossing wing to inner margin in PM area; dark basal coloring along inner margin is constricted in AM area, then expands to form two rounded lobes in median area; reniform spot black, shaped like a bow-tie; PM line brownish-yellow, usually noticeable; subterminal line composed of several pale dots; hindwing pale gray with wide fringe. BOLD:AAF5469 - 159 vindex , 73 bilobella , 2 scrutaria - across Canada, Appalachian VA BOLD:AAE0276 - 6 setosella , 1 bilobella - OK, LA, MI, MD BOLD:ACE8793 - 7 setosella Appalachia (VA, NC, PA), ON BOLD:AAH5370 - 4 unidentified - OK
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Gelechiidae (Twirler Moths)
- Subfamily
- Dichomeridinae
- Genus
- Dichomeris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern North America; Alberta, Saskatchewan, and California. ,
Seasonal Activity
The adults are most common from May to August. , , Larvae present from spring to July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The larvae feed on leaves of goldenrod ( Solidago spp.) and aster. ( 4 ) , ( 5 )
Life History
Eggs are laid on hostplant in summer but do not hatch until the following spring; young larvae spin a silken web on leaves of host; older larvae pinch or fold leaves together to form a retreat; one generation per year; overwinters as an egg. ( 4 ) Larva; larva; larva; pupa; adult
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Dichomeris bilobella. 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 Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman , marcie oconnor , Randy Hardy , Blocky , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291
What is Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291?
Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291 (Dichomeris bilobella) is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291?
Wingspan about 15 mm. Larva length to about 17 mm.
How do you identify Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291?
Adult - forewing dark gray to blackish with large pale brownish-yellow patch extending from base along costa, then crossing wing to inner margin in PM area; dark basal coloring along inner margin is constricted in AM area, then expands to form two rounded lobes in median area; reniform spot black, shaped like a bow-tie; PM line brownish-yellow, usually noticeable; subterminal line composed of several pale dots; hindwing pale gray with wide fringe.
Where is Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291 found?
Range: Eastern North America; Alberta, Saskatchewan, and California. ,
What does Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291 eat?
The diet of the Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291 includes The larvae feed on leaves of goldenrod ( Solidago spp.) and aster. ( 4 ) , ( 5 ).
When is Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291 active?
Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291: seasonal activity - The adults are most common from May to August. , , Larvae present from spring to July..
What is the life cycle of a Bilobed Dichomeris - Hodges#2291?
Eggs are laid on hostplant in summer but do not hatch until the following spring; young larvae spin a silken web on leaves of host; older larvae pinch or fold leaves together to form a retreat; one generation per year; overwinters as an egg. ( 4 ) Larva; larva; larva; pupa; adult