Scrobipalpuloides

Povolný, 1987

Species Guides

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Scrobipalpuloides is a of small in the Gelechiidae, established by Povolný in 1987. The genus contains approximately 13 described , primarily distributed in the Americas. Some sources treat Scrobipalpuloides as a synonym of Phthorimaea. Species within this genus are associated with solanaceous plants, with at least one species (S. absoluta, though placement in this genus requires verification) being an agricultural pest.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scrobipalpuloides: /skroʊˌbɪpælˈpjulɔɪdiːz/

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

Distribution

of Scrobipalpuloides have been recorded in North America, Central America, and South America. GBIF indicates presence in Norway and Sweden, likely representing introduced or misidentifications.

Human Relevance

At least one historically placed in or related to this —Scrobipalpuloides absoluta (tomato leafminer, also known as Tuta absoluta)—is a significant agricultural pest of tomato and other solanaceous crops. However, the current taxonomic placement of S. absoluta within Scrobipalpuloides is disputed; it is frequently classified under Phthorimaea or Tuta.

Similar Taxa

  • PhthorimaeaScrobipalpuloides is treated as a synonym of Phthorimaea in some taxonomic databases (Catalogue of Life, GBIF). The two share similar and associations with Solanaceae.
  • TutaThe tomato leafminer, historically associated with Scrobipalpuloides, is now frequently placed in Tuta. These are morphologically similar and share pest status on solanaceous crops.

Misconceptions

Scrobipalpuloides absoluta is frequently cited in agricultural literature, but this is more commonly classified under Phthorimaea or Tuta in modern treatments. The Scrobipalpuloides itself has unstable taxonomic status, with some authorities treating it as a distinct genus and others as a synonym of Phthorimaea.

More Details

Taxonomic instability

The Scrobipalpuloides has contested status. NCBI recognizes it as a valid genus, while Catalogue of Life and GBIF list it as a synonym of Phthorimaea. This reflects ongoing debate about generic boundaries within the Gnorimoschemini.

Species diversity

The includes described by Povolný (1987, 1990, 2000) and Powell & Povolný (2001), with most species described from the Neotropical region.

Sources and further reading