Moths of North Carolina
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View PDFBlastobasidae Members:
Holcocera Members:
53 NC Records

Holcocera immaculella McDunnough, 1930 - No Common Name

Taxonomy
Superfamily: Gelechioidea Family: BlastobasidaeSubfamily: BlastobasinaeTribe: HolcoceriniP3 Number: 421752.00 MONA Number: 1221.00
Comments: The genus Holcocera is represented by about 70 species worldwide, with its center of diversity in the New World tropics. There are many undescribed species, including some in the US. A major taxonomic revision of North American forms is needed for this and many other members of the subfamily Blastobasinae.
Species Status: This species is widespread in North America and there are two groups that show significant genetic differentiation (BOLD). This suggests that Holcocera immaculella, as currently recognized, may contain more than one species.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: David Adamski                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This is a rather plain species that has forewings that are unmarked. The brownish head region contrasts with the lighter forewings. Note the two-toned thorax that is darker anteriorly. The following description is based primarily on that of McDunnough (1930). The antenna is brownish with faint annulations. The basal joint has a strong pecten, and the male antenna has a distinct notch beyond the basal joint. The labial palp, head, and anterior portion of the thorax are smoky brown, while the posterior portion of the thorax is light yellowish brown and matches the color of the forewing. The head and thoracic region are noticeably darker than the forewing, which is uniformly light yellowish brown and lacks any markings. The hindwing and the fringe on both wings are pale gray to light smoky. The first two pairs of legs are smoky, while the hindleg is paler with light ocherous tufts. The abdomen is gray to yellowish brown above, with narrow transverse blackish bands. Specimens from some areas of the range deviate from the description above by being light charcoal gray rather than yellowish brown. Our specimens are the usual yellowish brown as described above. We also find individuals that lack the brownish head and thoracic region. We are currently assigning these to this species.
Adult Structural Features: McDunnough (1961) has descriptions and illustrations of the male and female genitalia for specimens from eastern Canada (under Holcocerina immaculella).
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: The larvae feed within the cones of conifers and consume the seeds. The larvae have a dark amber head and thoracic shield and a dirty grayish body (see MPG for images).
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Holcocera immaculella is found throughout a wide area of the US and southern Canada in association with spruce and pine forests. Western populations are genetically distinct (BOLD) and may constitute an undescribed species. In the East, populations occur from the northeastern US and adjoining areas of southern Canada westward to Minnesota and Michigan, and southward to Florida, Louisiana, eastern Texas and Arkansas. We have records from all three physiographic regions of the state.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

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