Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045
Pelochrista galenapunctana
This record describes Pelochrista galenapunctana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Kearfott's original description is available in PDF. A more detailed discussion of the complexities of this species and its relatives can be found in the Wright & Gilligan MONA fascicle.[cite:1636722] NOTE (3/11/2022): The majority (all?) of images of galenapunctana on BG appear to be in error; they all match the widespread Pelochrista comatulana of Wright & Gilligan (2017 MONA fascicle). A characteristic galenapunctana matching examples in the MONA fascicle can be seen in this iNaturalist observation .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Eucosmini
- Genus
- Pelochrista
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Colorado and western Texas to southern California. Types from Denver and Clear Creek, Colorado.
Seasonal Activity
The main flight period appears to be May to August. , Kearfott collected specimens in July and August.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet from Latin meaning "lead-colored dots" for the "horizontal rows of blackish leaden dots" on the wings."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Pelochrista galenapunctana. 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 Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Chuck Sexton , Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045
What is Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045?
Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045 (Pelochrista galenapunctana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045?
Kearfott reported the wingspan 17-24 mm.
How do you identify Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045?
Kearfott's original description is available in PDF. A more detailed discussion of the complexities of this species and its relatives can be found in the Wright & Gilligan MONA fascicle.[cite:1636722] NOTE (3/11/2022): The majority (all?) of images of galenapunctana on BG appear to be in error; they all match the widespread Pelochrista comatulana of Wright & Gilligan (2017 MONA fascicle). A characteristic galenapunctana matching examples in the MONA fascicle can be seen in this iNaturalist observation .
Where is Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045 found?
Range: Colorado and western Texas to southern California. Types from Denver and Clear Creek, Colorado.
When is Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045 active?
Pelochrista galenapunctana - Hodges#3045: seasonal activity - The main flight period appears to be May to August. , Kearfott collected specimens in July and August..