elatella

T. elatella Pellmyr

Adult Characteristics

Wing expanse 21-28 mm. Forewing white; hindwing white with light to medium grey near apex, occasionally with rusty tinge. Male genitalia with aedeagus 1.5-1.7 mm long, 0.08-0.10 mm in cross section; female genitalia with posterior apophyses 4.4-5.1 mm long, large corpus bursae with signa 1.25-1.30 mm in diameter.

Comparison with similar species

Similar especially to the allopatric sister species superficiella, but generally lighter and with broader wings. Genitalia are highly characteristic for identification; a diagnostic key is provided.

Hosts, oviposition, and larval feeding habits

The species is known from the capsular-fruited Yucca elata (Y. verdiensis). Eggs are laid just below the ovary surface. The larva feeds on developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.

Geographic distribution

Western Texas from the Big Bend region, extending across southern New Mexico to southeastern Arizona and the Verde Valley of central Arizona.

Habitat

Typical habitat includes grassland and shrub desert. Altitudinal range 700-1800 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 elatella male and female (Brewster Co, Texas).