Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Pseudoschinia elautalis (Grote
(1), 1871)
Eurycreon elautalis Grote, 1871
Emprepes magnalis Hulst, 1886
Size
Powell & Opler (2009) reported the forewing length 10-13 mm.
(2)Identification
Grote (1871) original description as Eurycreon elautalis is online in the print references.
Mann (1969) described the larva as white, with several narrow crimson transverse bands.
(3)Range
Powell & Opler (2009) western Texas to southern California.
(2)Season
Powell & Opler (2009) reported a flight period of April through July.
(2)Food
McIntosh (2002) reports the hosts as
California barrel cactus (
Ferocactus cylindraceus) and
candy barrel cactus (
Ferocactus wislizeni).
Mann (1969) lists numerous prickly pear, barrel, and cholla cactus species in
Opuntia and
Cylindropuntia. Larvae primarily consume flowers and fruits of prickly pears while in barrel cactus fleshy growth is often preferred.
(3)Life Cycle
Mann (1969) reported the mature larvae pupate on the ground in circular cocoons covered with earth.
(3)Print References
Grote, A.R., 1881. New moths from Arizona, with remarks on
Catocala and
Heliothis.
Papilio 1(9), p.
168
Hulst, G.D. 1886. Descriptions of new Pyralidae.
Transactions of the American Entomological Society 13, p.
147.
Mann, J., 1969. Cactus-Feeding Insects and Mites.
Bulletin of the United States National Museum 256, p. 78.
(3)
McIntosh, M.E., 2002. Plant size, breeding system, and limits to reproductive success in two sister species of
Ferocactus (Cactaceae).
Plant Ecology 162, pp. 273–288.
(PDF).
Powell, J.A. & P.A. Opler, 2009.
Moths of Western North America. University of California Press. p. 171; pl. 21, fig. 53.
(2)