Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham, 1897)
(1)
Eucatoptus lycopersicella Walsingham, 1897
(2)
Phylogenetic sequence #421349
Explanation of Names
Specific epithet from the host plant genus. Gudmann notes that the larva is a leaf folder of
Lycopersicon in St Croix.
(2)Numbers
There are 6 named species of
Keiferia in America north of Mexico.
(1)Identification
This group is not distinguishable by wing maculation and is best determined by DNA or dissection.
(3)
-
Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD).
(4)
Range
Found across the southern United States and in Hawaii.
(5)
Has been found in greenhouses used for tomato production in northern areas of eastern North America.
Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Season
Adults have been found year round.
Food
Larval host is most often tomato, but eggplant and potatoes are also hosts.
Life Cycle
Early instar larvae are leaf miners and then later bore into buds of fruit.
(5)Remarks
Introduced species (1920 or earlier) and considered an economic pest of tomato production.
See Also
Compare to related species on the pinned plates of
Moth Photographers GroupPrint References
Busck, A. 1939. Restriction of the genus Gelechia (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), with descriptions of new genera.
(6)
Powell, J. A. & P. A. Opler, Moths of Western North America, p. 100; pl. 10.18.
(5)
Walsingham, T. de Grey. 1897. Revision of the West-Indian Micro-Lepidoptera with descriptions of new species.
Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1897:
71.
(2)