Lineostriastiria hutsoni (Smith)

Stibadium hutsoni Smith, 1907, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., 33:140.

Stibadium fuliginosa Smith, 1907, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., 33:140.

Diagnosis: Lineostriastiria hutsoni is easily the dullest species of the Stiriinae. Lineostriastiria hutsoni and olivalis are structurally similar despite the deep superficial differences between them. This species possesses all of the syapomorphies defining the genus, particularly two distinct, clear, ovate but delimited areas above the apophyses anteriores. The male clasper is located near the apex of the valve. The basal group of spines in the vesica are strong and located on a sclerotized, bulbous region as in olivalis. Both spine patches in the vesica are reduced in size, possibly because of the small size of the moth. Wing length from base to apex: mean = 9.58 mm., standard deviation = 0.54 mm., n = 10.
Lineostriastiria hutsoni is the smallest species in the Stiriinae (although close in size to Plagiomimicus mimica). The forewing is elongate and the apex is slightly pointed unlike the round apex found in other species of the genus. The forewing coloration is dull green. The only distinctive forewing marking is an oblique, diffuse white postmedial line shaded along its inner side with dark green. The antemedial line, when present, is diffuse and darker green than the wing's ground color. The antemedial line may be followed by a slightly whitish band in the lower half of the median area. The subterminal area of the forewing, in a few specimens, is slightly lighter than the remainder of the wing.

Distribution: This species appears to be common in the driest regions of southern California and western Arizona. It occurs throughout the Mojave Desert regions of southern California and ranges as far north as southern Inyo County. Specimens are common from most of the western part of Arizona, and the species has been taken as far east as Santa Cruz County (Santa Rita Mountains). There are specimens in the USNM labeled only S. Nevada, probably from the Las Vegas region of Clark County. The species undoutedly also occurs in Chihuahua and Baja California del Norte, but I have yet to see specimens from Mexico. There is no discernable geographical variability. Individual variation was described above.

The adults fly in March and April as in olivalis.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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