pectinifera

G. pectinifera Davis and Pellmyr

Adult Characteristics

Adult depicted in Davis et al (1992). The small number of specimens available suggest a species almost as variable as G. variabilis. Wing expanse 13-16 mm. Body pale ochreous to near white. Forewings generally with a purplish brown base color, with 4+ pale yellow areas. Hindwings uniformly gray. Pollex on valva replaced by a pectinifer.

Comparison with similar species

Different color forms are often very similar to G. variabilis, but are readily told apart by the genitalia. The male is unique among Greya in having the prominent pectinifer, and the female differs from both G. variabilis and G. kononenkoi in having two prominent signa.

Host, oviposition, and larval feeding habits

Unknown, but individuals often kicked up from areas with Saxifraga spp. (Saxifragaceae).

Geographic Distribution

So far only known from the Olympic peninsula and the Mt. Rainier region of the Cascades, Washington state, USA.

Habitat

In moist coniferous forest at intermediate elevation, in coexistence with G. variabilis on the Olympic peninsula.

Characteristic habitat for G. pectinifera on Olympic peninsula, Washington, USA.
See also picture under G. punctiferella.

References

Davis, D.R., O. Pellmyr & J.N. Thompson. 1992. Biology and systematics 
          of Greya Busck and Tetragma n. gen. (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae). 
          Smiths. Contrib. Zool. 524:1-88.

Holotype in USNM.

About this page

Olle Pellmyr
E-mail: pellmyr@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu.
Dept of Biology, Vanderbilt University, Box 1812-B Nashville, TN 37235, USA

Title Illustration: Adult from type locality on Olympic peninsula, Clallam Co., Washington.