Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286
Dichomeris vacciniella
This record describes Dichomeris vacciniella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Detailed description can be found in MONA Fascicle 7-1 at link in citations below. ( 3 ) According to MONA Fascicle 7-1, adults do not come to light readily. This species can be quite variable with some specimens an even dark reddish brown with little maculation evident, whereas others are pale dark yellowish gray with two prominent dark forewing streaks. ( 3 )
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
Records from southern Ontario and southern Quebec, Maine south to Florida, west to Texas. ( 4 ) , ( 5 ) , ( 6 ) Lectotype ♂ collected Princeton, New Jersey (9 July 1914). ( 7 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts are species of ( Vaccinium , Ericaceae) including cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) and Blue Ridge blueberry ( Vaccinium pallidum Aiton). ,
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific name vacciniella is from the host genus Vaccinium (blueberry).
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Dichomeris vacciniella. 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 Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286
What is Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286?
Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286 (Dichomeris vacciniella) is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286?
Wingspan 15-17 mm.
How do you identify Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286?
Detailed description can be found in MONA Fascicle 7-1 at link in citations below. ( 3 )
Where is Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286 found?
Range: Records from southern Ontario and southern Quebec, Maine south to Florida, west to Texas. ( 4 ) , ( 5 ) , ( 6 ) Lectotype ♂ collected Princeton, New Jersey (9 July 1914). ( 7 )
What does Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286 eat?
The diet of the Dichomeris vacciniella - Hodges#2286 includes Larval hosts are species of ( Vaccinium , Ericaceae) including cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) and Blue Ridge blueberry ( Vaccinium pallidum Aiton). ,.