Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99
Kearfottia n-sp
This record describes Kearfottia n-sp (unresolved taxon). Recorded family: Psychidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Determined Ed Knudson (Texas Lepidoptera Survey) Distinguished from K. albifasciella by lack of dark brown on outer third of forewings.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tineoidea
- Family
- Psychidae (Bagworm Moths)
- Subfamily
- Naryciinae
- Genus
- Kearfottia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Thus far documented only at porch lights and light traps. Habitats differ widely across the known Central Texas range from arid brush (Val Verde Co.) to juniper-oak woodland (Travis Co.) to pine-hardwood forest (Bastrop Co.). A common element is the presence of oak species but that may only be coincidental.
Geographic Range
Central Texas: Recorded from Val Verde, Travis and Bastrop counties (Ed Knudson). Also recorded from Caddo Parish, LA (BG).
Seasonal Activity
Late September to early November records.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Kearfottia n-sp. 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 Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99
What is Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99?
Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99 (Kearfottia n-sp) is a unresolved taxon in the family Psychidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99?
Forewing 4.0 to 4.5 mm (C. Sexton, unpubl.)
How do you identify Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99?
Determined Ed Knudson (Texas Lepidoptera Survey) Distinguished from K. albifasciella by lack of dark brown on outer third of forewings.
Where is Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Thus far documented only at porch lights and light traps. Habitats differ widely across the known Central Texas range from arid brush (Val Verde Co.) to juniper-oak woodland (Travis Co.) to pine-hardwood forest (Bastrop Co.). A common element is the presence of oak species but that may only be coincidental. |
| Range | Central Texas: Recorded from Val Verde, Travis and Bastrop counties (Ed Knudson). Also recorded from Caddo Parish, LA (BG). |
When is Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99 active?
Kearfottia n sp. - Hodges#0319.99: seasonal activity - Late September to early November records..