The European Genus Morophaga Herrich-Schäffer in North America (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

Abstract

While collecting lepidopterous larvae during the summer of 1935, in the Thatuna Hills (Moscow Mountains), a few miles northeast of Moscow, Idaho, I gathered a small quantity of the fungus Cryptophorus volvatus (Peck) Shear. This fungus grows rather commonly on the north sides of pine trees (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) and is heavily infested with coleopterous and lepidopterous larvae. <br /><br />From the lepidopterous larvae collected I secured a series of seven moths, which, when later referred to Mr. August Busck, were determined by him as probably belonging to the European genus Morophaga and representing a new species. <br /><br />Since coming to the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine I have had an opportunity to study this material more carefully and, although I have been unable to compare it with European examples of the genus, I have little doubt that the species described below belongs to Morophaga. <br /><br />