Tegeticula carnerosanella
Olle Pellmyr
Adult Characteristics
Wing expanse 20-27.5 mm. Forewing and hindwing white. Male genitalia with aedeagus 2.7 mm long, 0.02 mm in cross section; female genitalia with posterior apophyses 7.6-8.3 mm long, corpus bursae with signa 0.45-0.60 mm in diameter.
Comparison with Similar Species
Similar in forewing coloration to T. rostratella and, to a lesser extent, other members of the yuccasella complex, but readily distinguished from other members of the complex based on genitalic characters. A diagnostic key is provided.
Host, Oviposition, and Larval Feeding Habits
The species is known from the fleshy-fruited yucca Y. carnerosana, including Y. faxoniana, the giant dagger yucca. Females oviposit into flowers (Pellmyr 1999). Eggs are laid inside the ovary, between the wall and the ovules, generally in the upper portion.The larva feeds on developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.
Geographic Distribution
The known range includes parts of western Texas, at northern edge of the host range. The host extends southward, and should be sought in Coahuila and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Habitat
Typical habitat is shrub desert, where the host often constitutes a virtual forest. Altitudinal range 800-1800 m.
Shrubby desert in Brewster Co., Texas, with the host Y. carnerosana is a typical habitat of the species.
References
Pellmyr, O. 1999. Systematic revision of the Tegeticula yuccasella complex (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae) north of Mexico. Systematic Entomology 24:243-271.
Title Illustrations
| Scientific Name | Tegeticula carnerosanella |
|---|---|
| Location | Brewster Co, Texas, USA |
| Specimen Condition | Dead Specimen |
| Sex | male (left), female (right) |
| Image Use |
 This media file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License - Version 3.0.
|
| Copyright |
© 1996
|
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University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
Page copyright © 1996
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Tegeticula carnerosanella .
Authored by
Olle Pellmyr.
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Citing this page:
Pellmyr, Olle. 1996. Tegeticula carnerosanella . Version 01 January 1996 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Tegeticula_carnerosanella/12456/1996.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
