Pseudotelphusa paripunctella (Thunberg, 1794) Species
Last modified: March 2, 2024, 10:52 a.m.
A rare species throughout Belgium, with most observations from the Kempen area.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Gelechiinae > Tribus: Litini > Genus: Pseudotelphusa > Species: Pseudotelphusa paripunctella
- Vernacular names
- Stipjespalpmot (NL)
- Synonyms
- Pseudotelphusa triparella (Zeller, 1839)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Fré Ch. 1858. Catalogue des Microlépidoptères de la Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 2: 45–162. On page 134.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
The color of the forewings, the expression of the paired black dots and the presence and intensity of dark and whitish scales are quite variable. An apparently constant feature is found on the thorax and can be used to distinguish it from the otherwise very similar Pseudotelphusa aenigma if the thoracic scales are well preserved.
The thorax has 4-5 black scale spots, with the rear (central) point occasionally being absent. The front pair of dots is clearly defined in P. paripunctella, while it is absent or only very faintly indicated in Pseudotelphusa aenigma. The hindwings are grey in both species and do not help in distinguishing them. A reliable determination is guaranteed by genital examination.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Cocoon/pupa
Bionomics
The larva lives between spun leaves and feeds on the inside. Pupation amongst detritus on the ground, in captivity also in the larval habitat.
Hibernation as a pupa.
The adults come to light.
Flight periods
The adults have been observed from late March to mid-August.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Myrica gale
- Host plant (genera):
- Quercus
The larva lives on different species of deciduous tree and bushes, like Quercus, Fagus, Betula, Myrica gale and Hippophaes rhamnoides.
