Tarache areli ( Strecker)

Acontia areli Strecker, 1898, Lepidoptera, Rhopaloceres and Heteroceres, Suppl. 1:11.

Diagnosis: The basal half of the forewing is light yellow-brown in color and the basal and antemedial lines are vague, crenulated, double gray lines. The orbicular is a fine, ovate circle partially nestled in a slight extension of the light area toward the reniform. The reniform is ovate, defined by an outer black line, and filled with dull blue scales. A distinct black dot is located in the center of the reniform. A small, light blue, short band accented with black of both sides is located just distal to the middle of the medial line. The costal white patch is longer (up and down) than wide (left to right). The male hindwing is light yellow-brown with a darker brown outer margin. The female hindwing is completely suffused with brown. Forewing length from base to apex 10 to 12.5 mm.

Distribution: Tarache areli has a wide distribution in the western United States. In the south and east it occurs in northeastern Mexico and western Texas stretching eastward through New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. Northward in occurs in the Rocky Mountain States as far as southern British Columbia.

This species seems to be most common in Ponderosa Pine and Pinyon Pine-Juniper forests. Adults fly in July and August.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

Distribution map courtesy of C. Ferris and J.D. Lafontaine

Similar Species

Tarache toddi

Tarache geminocula

Tarache areloides

Tarache albifusa