Anticarsia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anticarsia: /ˌæntɪˈkɑːrsiə/

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

Images

Summary

Anticarsia gemmatalis, or velvetbean caterpillar, is a significant agricultural pest that migrates from tropical to temperate regions, affecting various crops, notably soybeans.

Physical Characteristics

Adults have grayish brown wings crossed with brown or black zigzag lines; caterpillars can be black or green with narrow lighter stripes on the back and sides.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive zigzag patterns on the wings of adults and the coloration of the caterpillars.

Habitat

Commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, migrating north into temperate areas during certain seasons.

Distribution

Native to tropical regions, migrating as far north as Wisconsin in the United States, primarily along the Gulf states.

Diet

Feeds on velvet beans, peanuts, soybeans, cotton, kudzu, alfalfa, cowpeas, horse beans, snap beans, lima beans, and coffeeweeds.

Life Cycle

Eggs have the highest viability at 25 °C (77 °F), and populations do not adapt to higher temperatures across generations.

Reproduction

Details on reproductive behaviors were not provided, but it likely involves ovipositing on host plants.

Ecosystem Role

May serve as a significant agricultural pest in areas where host plants are cultivated, particularly in soybean crops.

Economic Impact

Potentially increases agricultural losses in soybean production, especially in tropical areas.

Evolution

Considered a monotypic genus within the Erebidae family, indicative of a specialized ecological niche.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Erebidae
• Agricultural Pest
• Velvetbean Moth
• Anticarsia gemmatalis