Galapagos Species Database

This species is similar in general coloration to C. lingulata Meyrick, 1918, but the latter has no markings in the basal half of the forewing, except for the basal black spot on costa; its first costal marking is a postmedian, outwardly oblique black dash followed by white and black (see Clarke, 1969a: 488). Compsolechia salebrosa is similar in colour and pattern also to C. succincta Walsingham, 1910, described from Mexico, of which the holotype has no abdomen. Compsolechia ptochogramma Meyrick, 1922, is somewhat similar in colour to C. salebrosa, but it has fewer markings as a wide oblique dash from the base of the anal margin to above the fold, and a wide spot on costa subapically with a pair of short black streaks below, with white scales above and below the streaks. Compsolechia meibomiella Forbes, 1931, described from Cuba, is also similar to C. salebrosa in forewing pattern, but the subterminal line is closer to the middle of the wing, straighter, and more conspicuously bordered by black on its proximal side. in the galapagos this grey species with black and white forewing markings cannot be confused with any other, especially with regards to the medially dented postmedian line separating a paler apical section.

Larva have been reared from flower buds of Desmodium incanum. Specimens have been collected from sea level to 1200 m durring the months of February until May, and in October.