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Article
First report of Oecophora bractella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) in North America
Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society
  • Merrill A. Peterson, Western Washington University
  • Eric H. LaGasa
  • Steven Passoa
  • Gaden S. Robinson
  • David Holden
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Keywords
  • Lepidoptera,
  • Red Data Book,
  • Specialist,
  • Exotic,
  • Introduced
Disciplines
Abstract

The first report of Oecophora bractella (L.) from North America is given, based on collection records from Washington and British Columbia. This species is found throughout Europe, but is generally rare to uncommon through most of its range. Larvae occur on rotting wood in association with certain fungi and are not expected to reach pest status. Adults were captured at nine locations, with the first record from Seattle, WA in 1998. This first record and some of the subsequent records are from sites immediately adjacent to or associated with international shipping routes. Other sites with O. bractella are from residential areas, two of which have established breeding populations. The introduction of this moth is surprising, particularly given the low interception rate at United States ports and its specialized feeding niche. A diagnosis and photographs of adults are provided to enable North American researchers to identify this species and to monitor its spread.

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Oecophoridae--Europe; Oecophoridae--Pacific Northwest; Introduced insects--Host plants--Pacific Northwest; Moths--Control--Pacific Northwest; Forest insects--Europe; Forest insects--Pacific Northwest; Entomology
Geographic Coverage
North America; Pacific Northwest; Europe
Genre/Form
articles
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Merrill A. Peterson, Eric H. LaGasa, Steven Passoa, Gaden S. Robinson, et al.. "First report of Oecophora bractella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) in North America" Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society Vol. 61 Iss. 3 (2007) p. 165 - 171
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/merrill_peterson/7/