superficiella

T. superficiella Pellmyr

Adult Characteristics

Wing expanse 20.5-30 mm. Forewing white; hindwing dark brown, darker by apex. Male genitalia with aedeagus 1.45-1.60 mm long, 0.08 mm in cross section; female genitalia with posterior apophyses 3.75-4.40 mm long, large corpus bursae with signa 1.30-1.45 mm in diameter.

Comparison with similar species

Similar especially to the allopatric sister species elatella, but generally darker. 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 Yucca elata var. utahensis, Y. baileyi, and Y. angustissima var. kanabensis. Females oviposit into flowers . Eggs are laid just below the ovary surface. The larva feeds on developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.

Geographic distribution

The species is currently known only from extreme southwestern Utah and from northern Arizona.

Habitat

Typical habitat includes shrub desert and open pine forest . Altitudinal range 1200-1800 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 superficiella male and female (Washington Co, Utah).