Pseudatemelia flavifrontella

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Pseudatemelia flavifrontella
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Oecophoridae (disputed)
Subfamily:
Amphisbatinae (but see text)
Genus:
Species:
P. flavifrontella
Binomial name
Pseudatemelia flavifrontella
Synonyms
  • Borkhausenia flavifrontella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
  • Tinea flavifrontella Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775
  • Tubuliferola flavifrontella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Pseudatemelia flavifrontella is a species of gelechioid moths.

Taxonomy

In the

concealer moth family (Oecophoridae). The Amphisbatinae have alternatively been merged into the Oecophorinae, raised to full family rank, or placed as a subgroup of the Depressariinae (or Depressariidae if ranked as family). P. flavifrontella was first scientifically described by M. Denis & I. Schiffermüller in 1775. For quite some time however, its description was erroneously attributed to J. Hübner in 1801.[2]

Recent research has shown that the genus Pseudatemelia is one of those close to

Agnoea, Lypusidae family, Gelechioidea superfamily. [4][5]

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in

.

Description

Pseudatemelia cf. flavifrontella

The wingspan of this moth is about 20 mm; its forewing coloration is a quite drab light taupe, mottled with slightly darker tiny specks. The head is covered in orange-yellow hairs.[7] Antennae reach about ¾ length of the long forewings, that are held in shallow roof-shaped position.[8] Dorsal surface of the abdomen has very narrow scales.[9]

Biology

The adults fly from May to July depending on the location; they appear to be predominantly or exclusively

nocturnal and can be attracted by light. Caterpillars stay in a portable case.[9] Little is known about the food of its caterpillars. Like their relatives, they appear to be adaptable and have been recorded on such diverse foodstuffs as dead plants, dry leaves, dried insect specimens and even feathers.[10]

References