Tegeticula cassandra
Olle 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.
Host, 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.
Title Illustrations
| Scientific Name | Tegeticula cassandra |
|---|---|
| Location | Highlands Co, Florida, 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
|
About This Page
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
Page copyright © 1996
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Tegeticula cassandra .
Authored by
Olle Pellmyr.
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Citing this page:
Pellmyr, Olle. 1996. Tegeticula cassandra . Version 01 January 1996 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Tegeticula_cassandra/12473/1996.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
