Stegasta capitella

(Fabricius, 1794)

Teaweed Moth

Stegasta capitella, commonly known as the teaweed , is a small gelechiid moth described by Fabricius in 1794. The occurs in the West Indies and southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida, Georgia, and Texas. are active from February through August, with additional activity in October and December in Florida. The larvae feed on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Sida spinosa.

Stegasta capitella by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Stegasta capitella by (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Stegasta capitella: //stɛˈɡæstə kæpɪˈtɛlə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from the related Stegasta bosqueella (rednecked peanutworm) by the latter's dark brown and coloration; S. capitella lacks this distinctive dark brown coloration on the head and thorax. The two overlap as caterpillar pests of peanut plants. Forewing length of approximately 4 mm provides a size reference for field identification.

Images

Appearance

A small gelechiid with forewings approximately 4 mm in length. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with agricultural and weedy environments where plants occur. Specific preferences beyond host plant presence are not documented.

Distribution

West Indies and southeastern United States. Confirmed records from Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

Seasonality

active February to August, with additional activity in October and December in Florida.

Diet

Larvae feed on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Sida spinosa. feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Arachis hypogaea - larval food plantpeanut
Sida spinosa - larval food plantteaweed

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific details of developmental duration, stage, and number of per year are not documented for this .

Behavior

are attracted to light. Specific behavioral details beyond period are not documented.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on peanut and Sida spinosa. Specific ecological impacts or interactions beyond direct herbivory are not documented.

Human Relevance

A minor pest of peanut crops, less significant than the congeneric Stegasta bosqueella, which is the main lepidopteran pest in South and Central American peanut fields. The has been documented in peanut-growing regions of the southeastern United States.

Similar Taxa

Stegasta bosqueellaOverlaps as caterpillar pest of peanut; distinguished by dark brown and coloration in S. bosqueella, which is absent in S. capitella.