Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Platynota stultana Walsingham, 1884
(1) Explanation of Names
Specific epithet from Latin
stultus meaning "foolish, stupid, ill-considered," likely for its "very long palpi."
(1)Size
Male forewing length 4-6 mm, female FWL 6.5-7 mm.
(2)Identification
Adults - golden brown to dark brown and individual wing color can vary greatly. Male forewings are generally dark brown on the basal half and golden brown on the distal half. Females are more uniform in color and markings are usually less distinct. Males have a small forewing costal fold at the base of the forewing; in worn specimens the costal fold may appear to be absent.
Larvae - mature larvae are translucent, cream colored, and approximately 12-15mm long. The head and prothoracic shield are yellowish brown to dark brown.
Pupae - Fully developed pupae are dark brown and range in size from 4.0-9.8mm long.
Range
Texas to California, Florida and the Atlantic states. South into Mexico.
(2),
(1)
Probably native to Arizona but introduced to southern California in shipments of peppers from western Mexico. Range has expanded to Sacramento Valley, San Francisco greenhouses and urban environments. Later Texas, Florida, and the Atlantic states.
(2)Season
Year round in southern California and August to October farther north.
(2)Food
Numerous larval hosts including conifers and monocots.
(2)Print References
Powell, J.A. 1978. Survey of Lepidoptera inhabiting three dune systems in the California desert. BLM California Desert Plan. p.6.
(3)
Walsingham, Lord. 1884. X. North American Tortricidae.
Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 1884:
127 (1)
