Language: English Updated: 2025-12-02

Dichomeris siranta

Dichomeris siranta is a species of moth in the family Gelechiidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1913. This moth is known from the Khasi Hills region of India.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Lepidoptera
  • Family: Gelechiidae
  • Genus: Dichomeris
  • Species: D. siranta

The genus Dichomeris is a large and widespread genus of moths within the family Gelechiidae, often characterized by their slender bodies, relatively narrow wings, and distinct venation. Many species in this genus are challenging to distinguish without close examination of morphological features, particularly the genitalia.

Description

Dichomeris siranta typically has a wingspan of approximately 13–14 mm.

  • Forewings: The forewings are generally fuscous (a dark, dusky brownish-grey color). They often feature indistinct darker markings, including a discal stigma (a spot in the middle of the wing) and a tornal dot (a spot near the tornus, the rear angle of the wing). The apex of the forewing may be somewhat pointed.
  • Hindwings: The hindwings are usually a uniform grey.
  • Head and Thorax: The head and thorax match the general coloration of the forewings, providing camouflage.

Distribution

This species is primarily known from its type locality in the Khasi Hills, located in the state of Meghalaya, northeastern India. Its full geographical range may extend further into surrounding regions of Southeast Asia, but extensive distribution records are not widely available.

Biology and Ecology

Like many moths in the Gelechiidae family, Dichomeris siranta is likely nocturnal. The specific host plants and larval biology for D. siranta are not well-documented. However, species within the genus Dichomeris typically feed on the leaves or shoots of various broad-leaved plants, including trees and shrubs, during their larval stage. Further research is needed to understand the specific ecological role and life cycle of this particular species.

References

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