Anthophila fabriciana Choreutidae

29. Anthophila fabriciana (Linnaeus, 1767) (Choreutidae)

Phalaena fabriciana Linnaeus, 1767: 880. Type locality: [Europe].

BOLD:AAC8582

Palearctic distribution. Widespread in the Palaearctic region.

New North American records. Canada: Manitoba, Churchill, 8 Aug 2006, 1 ♀ (CNC).

Diagnosis. In wing maculation this species resembles plenicanata Heppner, and to a lesser extent alpinella (Busck) (Heppner 2011). In male genitalia, the valva has a pointed dentiform projection in the middle of its dorsal margin, the phallus is shorter than the uncus-tegumen-vinculum and has a short dentiform median lateral projection (shown in lateral view in Fig. 29); it is more similar to alpinella (Busck) but in the latter both the medio-dorsal tooth of the valva and that of the phallus are larger, and its phallus is longer than the uncus-tegumen-vinculum. The female genitalia is distinctive, though overall similar to those of alpinella, with its long, tightly coiled ductus bursae and heavily sclerotized, roundly conical, wrinkled sternum 8 and ostial area.

Larval host. Urtica, Parietaria (Urticaceae).

Note. Undoubtedly more widespread than the single record indicates. Like other Choreutidae, this species is diurnal. In Europe this species occurs in backyards where its host plants grow. The host plants are frequently associated with anthropogenic habitats thus it is conceivable that fabriciana may be a recent introduction. Although the locality of Churchill is remote, it is accessible by train and it is a shipping port. Railroads are often lined with introduced plants and can provide a pathway for alien species to disperse deep into natural areas.