Tegeticula elatella
Olle 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.
Host, 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.
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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 elatella |
|---|---|
| Location | Brewster Co, Texas |
| 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 elatella .
Authored by
Olle Pellmyr.
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Citing this page:
Pellmyr, Olle. 1996. Tegeticula elatella . Version 01 January 1996 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Tegeticula_elatella/12469/1996.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
