Holcocera chalcofrontella

Clemens, 1863

Sort #: 1293 | P #: 591743 | MPG #: 1175
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Larval feeding type: Feeds in the seed heads
Larval substrate: Rhus hirta* (Staghorn Sumac)
Phenology: Adult: 6/08 to 7/31 (11 records)

Comment: There are four DNA barcodes under this name, two of which are known to occur in Massachusetts. These two represent a light form and a dark form. Clemens, in his original description described the light form first, but then went on to describe some darker examples. There are many names currently classed as synonyms of this species and it is not known which would apply to the two present in the State. As Clemens described the light form first, this is the one we are keeping under the name chalcofrontella. It is characterized by larger areas of creamy white mixed on with the fuscous markings, giving a distinctly variegated pattern. Three fuscous spots are prominent.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, uncommon
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1936
Last Year Reported: 2023

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Plymouth, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 13