Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 May 2012
The species of this genus bear some resemblance-especially the smaller species-to Lithocolletis: but they may be distinguished by the attitude in repose in most species, and by the developed maxillary palpi in all. They usually sit (especially the larger species, for I have not observed it in some of the smaller ones), with the anterior part of the body elevated upon the anterior and middle legs, whilst the posterior legs are applied to the sides of the abdomen, the apex of which touches the surface upon which they rest. In some of the smaller species, the maxillary palpi are small, and sometimes almost concealed by the labial palpi. This is the case in Gracillaria robiniella (Parectopa robiniella Clemens), and G. lespedezæfoliella (P. lespedezæfoliella Clem.), upon which Dr. Clemens erected the genus Parectopa, as not having any visible maxillary palpi.