Field Guide Descriptions: | Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD | Technical 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).
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Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood. |