About Ethmia semilugens Zeller, 1872
Ethmia semilugens is a moth species that belongs to the Depressariidae family. It occurs in arid regions of the United States and Mexico, spanning from Colorado through central Texas, New Mexico, northern Chihuahua, Arizona, and southern California. The forewings of this moth measure between 8.7–12 mm (0.34–0.47 inches) in length. The base color of the forewings is brownish black, with a wide white dorsal margin. The base color of the hindwings is whitish, and becomes slightly to strongly brownish toward the apex; in some individuals, the hindwings are mostly brownish apart from their basal area. Adult moths have different flight periods: from late February to March in south-western Texas, and from late February through September in Chihuahua. This species produces two generations each year. In California, the larvae feed on two plant species: Phacelia calthifolia and Phacelia crenulata. The larvae live on the leaves of their host plants and do not use any form of shelter.
