Argyresthia alternatella

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Argyresthia alternatella
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Argyresthiidae
Genus: Argyresthia
Species:
A. alternatella
Binomial name
Argyresthia alternatella

Argyresthia alternatella is a moth of the family Yponomeutidae. It is found in North America, including Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Quebec and Texas.

The wingspan is 10โ€“12 mm. The forewings are golden-ochreous. There are five brown spots on the costa and three similar spots on the dorsal margin. There is also a streak of brown on the dorsum at the base and the apex of the wing is lightly reticulated with this colour. The hindwings are light fuscous.[2]

The larvae feed on Juniperus species.[3] Young larvae bore into the seed of their host plant while the seed-coat is still soft. They consume many of the seeds. Full-grown larvae feed on the fleshy portion of the berries. Pupation usually takes place outside of the berry in a white, silken cocoon.

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