Udea tritalis is a species of moth of the family Crambidae. It is found in western North America.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Pyraloidea
- Family: Crambidae
- Subfamily: Spilomelinae
- Genus: Udea
- Species: U. tritalis
The species was first described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1894.
Description
Udea tritalis is a relatively small moth, with a wingspan typically ranging from 18 to 24 millimeters. The forewings are generally a dull brownish or grayish-brown color, often exhibiting faint transverse lines or darker markings that can vary in prominence among individuals. The pattern may include an antemedial line, a postmedial line, and sometimes a discal spot. The hindwings are usually paler, often a light grayish-brown, and may show a faint subterminal line. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a characteristic resting posture with its wings folded in a triangular shape.Distribution
This species is primarily distributed in western North America. Its known range includes, but is not limited to, the U.S. states of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, and Arizona, as well as the Canadian province of British Columbia. It typically inhabits areas with herbaceous vegetation, including open woodlands, meadows, prairies, and disturbed areas.Life Cycle and Ecology
The larvae of Udea tritalis are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a wide variety of host plants. They are known to feed on various herbaceous plants from different families, often tying leaves together or mining within them. Specific host plant families can include Asteraceae (e.g., various composites) and Lamiaceae (e.g., mints), among others.Adult moths are generally on the wing from spring through summer, often exhibiting multiple generations (bivoltine or trivoltine) in warmer parts of their range. They are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial light. The adults play a role in pollination for some plants, while the larvae are herbivores.