Zabuella tinea
Common NameZabuella tinea
Scientific NameZabuella tinea
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey-brown, white
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, open woodlands, scrublands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (e.g., California, Arizona, Nevada) and Mexico
Host PlantsUnknown, likely herbaceous plants or shrubs
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Larvae of Gelechiidae are often internal feeders, such as leaf-miners or stem borers, or feed within spun leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, overall dark brown coloration with subtle darker spotting, and the prominent white scaling along the wing edges. The antennae are relatively long and slender.
Description
A small, dark brown to grey-brown moth with scattered darker spots on its forewings. The outer margins of both forewings and hindwings feature a distinct fringe of white scales.
