Tegeticula synthetica
Olle Pellmyr
Adult Characteristics
Wing expanse 17-21 mm. Forewings black, with occasional lighter scales scattered on the wing, and occasional clustering to form a diffuse discal spot. Hindwings of the same color, but very lightly scaled so that wings can be hyaline.
Comparison with Similar Species
The species is very distinctive, but could conceivably be mistaken for the larger T. maculata extranea on Yucca whipplei. The abdomen is dorsally flattened in synthetica, and the female has a triangular seventh tergite. Examination of the genitalia provide definitive identification for both sexes.
Host, Oviposition, and Larval Feeding Habits
Feeds exclusively on Yucca brevifolia, the Joshua Tree (Agavaceae). The female oviposits into flowers, and the larva feeds on developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.
Female resting during daytime inside a (closed) host flower.
Geographic Distribution
Congruent with the range of its host. In the northern two thirds of the Mojave desert, in southern Nevada, southeastern California, and extreme southwestern Utah to northwestern Arizona.
Habitat
In desert with Yucca brevifolia.
Characteristic habitat; San Bernardino Co., California.
References
Davis, D.R. 1967. A revision of the moths of the subfamily Prodoxinae (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae). U.S. Nat. Hist. Mus., Bull. 255:1-170.
Title Illustrations
| Scientific Name | Tegeticula synthetica |
|---|---|
| Location | San Bernardino Co., California, USA |
| Specimen Condition | Dead Specimen |
| Sex | Female |
| 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 synthetica .
Authored by
Olle Pellmyr.
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Citing this page:
Pellmyr, Olle. 1996. Tegeticula synthetica . Version 01 January 1996 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Tegeticula_synthetica/12452/1996.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
