Sclerocona
Meyrick, 1890
streaked orange moth
Species Guides
1- Sclerocona acutellus(Thatch Pearl)
Sclerocona is a of crambid in the Pyraustinae, containing only the Sclerocona acutella. The genus was established by Meyrick in 1890, though it is treated as a synonym of Calamochrous in some taxonomic databases. The sole species, commonly known as the streaked orange moth, has a broad Palearctic distribution and has been introduced to eastern North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sclerocona: //ˌsklɛɹoˈkoʊnə//
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Distribution
Native range extends from Spain and Sicily north to Great Britain and Denmark, eastward through Siberia to China and Japan. Introduced and established in eastern North America, with records from Vermont and other eastern states. In Great Britain, first records (1988–1995) were considered possible migrants; a breeding colony was discovered in 2010 on the Isle of Wight at Afton Marsh and has persisted.
Diet
Larvae have been recorded feeding on corn (Zea ), nightshade, tomato (Lycopersicon species), hop (Humulus species), reed (Phragmites species), and wild bean (Phaseolus species).
Host Associations
- Zea - larval food plantcorn
- Lycopersicon - larval food planttomato
- Humulus - larval food planthop
- Phragmites - larval food plantreed
- Phaseolus - larval food plantwild bean
- Solanum - larval food plantnightshade
Life Cycle
have a wingspan of 25–28 mm. Adult coloration is light brown.
Human Relevance
The has been introduced to eastern North America, likely through human-mediated transport. A British colony established near Exeter was traced to reeds imported from central Europe for thatching.
Similar Taxa
- CalamochrousTreated as a synonym of Sclerocona in Catalogue of Life and GBIF databases; the two names have been used interchangeably for this group of crambid .
More Details
Taxonomic Status
The Sclerocona has an unstable taxonomic status. NCBI and Wikipedia recognize it as valid, while Catalogue of Life and GBIF list it as a synonym of Calamochrous. This reflects ongoing debate about generic boundaries within Pyraustinae.
Introduction History
The North American introduction and British colony near Exeter are documented cases of human-assisted . The origin of the Isle of Wight remains uncertain, with considered more likely than importation.