Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2007

Keywords

Lepidoptera, Red Data Book, Specialist, Exotic, Introduced

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.

Publication Title

Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society

Volume

61

Issue

3

First Page

165

Last Page

171

Required Publisher's Statement

Published by the Lepidopterists' Society

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

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