Melitara subumbrella explained

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.

Notes and References

  1. http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=5973 Moth Photographers Group
  2. Web site: Simonsen, T. . 2007 . Species Details: Melitara subumbrella . University of Alberta Museums . E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum . December 28, 2020.
  3. http://mississippientomologicalmuseum.org.msstate.edu/Researchtaxapages/CactusMoths/genera_species/Melitara_subumbrella.html Cactus Feeding Moths