intricatus

P. intricatus Riley

Adult Characteristics

Wing expanse 13-16 mm. Head densely covered with reddish-brown or rarely yellowish hairs. Forewing dark brown with a violet sheen in fresh specimens, with about 5-8 yellow spots scattered across the wing. Male has larger light areas on the forewing. Hindwings uniform brown, similar in brightness to forewing.

Comparison with similar species

This large species is readily identified by its combination of a reddish head and yellow spots. Only occasional specimens can be mistaken for the allopatric P. ochrocarus; differences between the two are described under ochrocarus.

Host, oviposition, and larval feeding habits

Only known from Yucca elephantipes (Agavaceae). Larva is suggested to bore in the floral rachis (Davis 1967).

Geographic distribution

Known only from the southern Mexican states of Veracruz and Oaxaca.

Habitat

No published information. The host is extensively cultivated in many habitats.

References

Davis, D.R. 1967. A revision of the moths of the subfamily Prodoxinae 
          (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae). U.S. Nat. Hist. Mus., 
          Bull. 255:1-170. Smiths. Contrib. Zool. 524:1-88.

Lectotype in USNM.

About this page

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

Title illustrations: Male and female, Veracruz, Mexico.