cassandra

T. cassandra Pellmyr

Adult Characteristics

Wing expanse 20-27 mm. Forewing white; hindwing dark grey with brown tinge, darkest by fore edge and apex, gradually lighter toward back corner. Male genitalia with aedeagus 1.45-1.70 mm long, 0.09-0.10 mm in cross section; female genitalia with posterior apophyses 4.1-4.5 mm long, large corpus bursae with signa 1.44-1.72 mm in diameter.

Comparison with similar species

Fairly similar to elatella, with which it shares a distinctive ovipositor shape (a high dorsal ridge). Genitalia are characteristic for identification; a diagnostic key is provided.

Hosts, oviposition, and larval feeding habits

The species is known from the capsular-fruited Yucca filamentosa (Y. smalliana, Y. flaccida) and probably the fleshy-fruited Y. aloifolia. Eggs are laid just below the ovary surface, usually at the base of the style. The larva feeds on developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.

Geographic distribution

North central Florida and adjacent Georgia.

Habitat

Natural habitats include relatively open pine and pine-oak forests, and open grassy areas with oak scrub. Altitude 0-30 m.

References


Pellmyr, O. 1999. Systematic revision of the Tegeticula yuccasella complex 
    (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae) north of Mexico. Systematic Entomology 24:243-271.

Holotype in USNM.

About this page

Olle Pellmyr
E-mail: olle.pellmyr@vanderbilt.edu.
Dept of Biology, Vanderbilt University, Box 1812-B Nashville, TN 37235, USA

Title illustration: Tegeticula cassandra male and female (Highlands Co, Florida).