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Gelechiidae, the twirler moths - Curved-Horn Moth, possibly Cotton Stem Moth, Platyedra subcinerea, subfamily Apatetrinae, family Gelechiidae (the twirler moths). (Moth #16)

About 6 mm long. Sitting on a chain-link fence that is just under 2 mm in diameter.

 

The following information is from www.knowyourinsects.org at www.knowyourinsects.org/Lepidoptera1_Moths.html#Gelechiidae .

 

Curved-Horn Moth, possibly Cotton Stem Moth, Platyedra subcinerea, subfamily Apatetrinae, family Gelechiidae (the twirler moths).

 

The family Gelechiidae is part of a larger superfamily Gelechioidea. A characteristic of this superfamily is the pair of horns, which are really long, curved extensions of the insect’s labium (analogous to a lower lip). The extensions are called labial palps. This moth is only 6mm (1/4 inch) long.

 

Identified by: moth specialist Dave Wikle. Thank you, Dave!

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Uploaded on March 20, 2018
Taken on March 19, 2018