Achyra bifidalis

Fabricius, 1794

Achyra bifidalis is a small crambid with a wingspan of 20–24 mm, distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through South America. The was described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. feed on Gossypium (cotton) and Portulaca species.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Achyra bifidalis: /əˈkaɪrə bɪfɪˈdɑːlɪs/

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

Identification

Small size (wingspan 20–24 mm) distinguishes it from larger crambid . Larval on Gossypium and Portulaca may aid in identification where these plants occur. Similar to Achyra rantalis (garden ), but specific distinguishing features not documented in sources.

Habitat

Associated with plants Gossypium and Portulaca; likely occurs in agricultural and where these plants grow. Specific habitat preferences not detailed.

Distribution

Southern United States (Arizona to Florida), Mexico, Central and South America (Brazil, Argentina), and the West Indies. Single irregular record from Alberta, Canada.

Diet

feed on Gossypium (cotton) and Portulaca .

Host Associations

  • Gossypium - larval cotton
  • Portulaca - larval

Life Cycle

reach 24–27 mm in length. with , larva, , and stages; specific details of and adult not documented.

Behavior

; attracted to blacklighting displays. produce silken webs in foliage of plants.

Ecological Role

; larval feeding on cotton and Portulaca may influence in agricultural and natural settings.

Human Relevance

Potential pest of cotton (Gossypium). Economic significance not quantified in sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Achyra rantalisCongeneric with similar (garden ), overlapping distribution in North America, and similar larval web-spinning . Specific distinguishing morphological features not documented.
  • Other CrambidaeSmall size and general appearance shared with many crambid ; associations and geographic range may aid separation.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Phalaena bifidalis by Fabricius in 1794, later transferred to Achyra.

Observation frequency

Documented in 1,132 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is regularly encountered within its range.

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Sources and further reading