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Melitara subumbrella

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Melitara subumbrella
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pyralidae
Genus: Melitara
Species:
M. subumbrella
Binomial name
Melitara subumbrella
(Dyar, 1925)
Synonyms
  • Olycella subumbrella Dyar, 1925
  • Zophodia subumbrella

Melitara subumbrella is a species of snout moth in the genus Melitara. It was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1925.[1] It is widespread in western North America, from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan to southern Arizona, central Texas,[2] southern New Mexico and south-eastern California.

The wingspan is 35–52 mm. Adults are on wing from March to May. A second generation may occur on some locations, with adults on wing from October to November.

The larvae feed on Opuntia basilaris, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia macrorhiza var. macrorhiza, Opuntia atrispina, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia polyacantha and Opuntia violaceae var. macrocentra.[3] Mature larvae are white with light purple cross-bands.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Moth Photographers Group at Mississippi State University
  2. ^ Simonsen, T. (2007). "Species Details: Melitara subumbrella". University of Alberta Museums. E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  3. ^ Cactus Feeding Moths