Tegeticula rostratella
Olle Pellmyr
Adult Characteristics
Wing expanse 18.5-26 mm. Forewing white, hindwing white or occasionally light grey. Male genitalia with aedeagus 2.2-3.0 mm long, 0.03-0.04 mm in cross section; female genitalia with posterior apophyses 5.2-6.4 mm long, small corpus bursae with signa 0.60-0.75 mm in diameter.
Comparison with Similar Species
The typically all-white coloration is only shared by the sympatric carnerosanella, but the adult appears somewhat later (as a result of different flowering times of hosts). 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 Y. rostrata and the questionably distinct Y. rigida (Pellmyr 1999). Females oviposit into flowers . Eggs are laid inside the ovary between the wall and the ovules. The larva feeds on developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.
Geographic Distribution
The Big Bend region of the United States, extending in Mexico to the southern edge of the Mapimi region in southern Coahuila.
Habitat
Typical habitat is scrub desert, often on relatively steep slopes. Altitudinal range 690-950 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 rostratella |
|---|---|
| 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 rostratella .
Authored by
Olle Pellmyr.
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Citing this page:
Pellmyr, Olle. 1996. Tegeticula rostratella . Version 01 January 1996 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Tegeticula_rostratella/12466/1996.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
