Scrobipalpula

Povolný, 1964

Scrobipalpula is a of small in the , tribe Gnorimoschemini, established by Povolný in 1964. within this genus exhibit diverse associations, including solanaceous plants (Solanaceae), Asteraceae, and Amaranthaceae. Some species are significant agricultural pests, while others function as in natural . The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning South America, Europe, and North America.

Scrobipalpula psilella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Scrobipalpula psilella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Scrobipalpula psilella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scrobipalpula: /ˌskrɒbɪˈpælpjʊlə/

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

Images

Habitat

varies by : agricultural and cultivated settings with solanaceous ; arid desert environments with Baccharis shrubs; and salt marsh or coastal habitats with Suaeda vegetation.

Distribution

South America (Colombia, Chile, Argentina), Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), and North America (United States: Vermont).

Host Associations

  • Solanaceae - Scrobipalpula absoluta attacks tomato plants in Colombia
  • Baccharis salicifolia - Asteraceae; associated with new in Atacama Desert, Chile
  • Suaeda divaricata - Amaranthaceae; Scrobipalpula patagonica inhabits on this in Argentina

Life Cycle

For Scrobipalpula absoluta under laboratory conditions (25.3°C, 74.9% RH): incubation averages 4 days; four larval with mean duration of 13.1 days; prepupal stage allows sex separation; male pupal duration 9.6 days, female 8.8 days; longevity 16.4 days (males) and 17.8 days (females); averages 226.1 eggs per female; sex ratio approximately 1 male:1.3 female.

Behavior

Scrobipalpula patagonica has been documented as a , inhabiting existing galls on plants rather than inducing them.

Ecological Role

Larval include the Apanteles gelechiidivorus and an unidentified ; the Zatropis sp. has been reared from or .

Human Relevance

Scrobipalpula absoluta is a documented pest of tomato in Colombia, causing in multiple municipalities.

More Details

Taxonomic Status

One , Scrobipalpula pygmaeella (Heinemann, 1870), originally described as Lita pygmaeella, has unclear taxonomic status and requires verification.

Sources and further reading