Prodoxus aenescens
Riley, 1881
Prodoxus aenescens is a small yucca moth in the Prodoxidae, described by Riley in 1881. The occurs in arid regions of southwestern North America where its larvae develop within Yucca whipplei. are diminutive with wingspans of 9–15 mm. The species represents one of many specialized prodoxid moths that have coevolved with yucca plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Prodoxus aenescens: //proʊˈdɒksəs aeˈnɛskɛnz//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Prodoxus by geographic range and association with Yucca whipplei. The small wingspan (9–15 mm) is at the lower end of the range. Identification to species level requires examination of genitalia or molecular analysis; external alone is insufficient.
Habitat
Coastal chaparral and montane dry shrubby grassland. Associated with stands of Yucca whipplei, the larval plant.
Distribution
Central-southern cismontane California, north-western Arizona, and Baja California Norte (Mexico).
Host Associations
- Yucca whipplei - larval Larvae feed internally within the plant
Similar Taxa
- Other Prodoxus speciesSame , similar ; distinguished by plant specificity and geographic range
- Tegiticula speciesAlso yucca-associated prodoxid ; Tegiticula are generally larger and are the primary , whereas Prodoxus are non-pollinating 'bogus' yucca moths