Sitochroa palealis
(Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
carrot seed moth
Sitochroa palealis, known as the carrot seed , is a crambid moth to Europe that was first reported in the United States in 2002. The has a wingspan of 26–34 mm and is active during summer months. Its specialize on umbelliferous plants, including cultivated carrot and fennel.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sitochroa palealis: //ˌsɪtəˈkrəʊə ˌpæl.iˈælɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Accurate identification requires examination of geometry. Geometric morphometry of nine junction landmarks distinguishes S. palealis from similar crambids such as Sitochroa verticalis, Anania hortulata, and Pleuroptya ruralis. scanning and software analysis can achieve 97% in separating these .
Images
Appearance
have a wingspan of 26–34 mm. are yellowish- with wavy dark . Overall coloration is somewhat nondescript, making visual identification difficult without close examination of patterns.
Habitat
Found in agricultural and natural settings where plants occur. develop on umbellifers in fields, gardens, and disturbed areas. frequent with flowering umbelliferous vegetation.
Distribution
to Europe, with established across the continent including Belgium. to North America; first U.S. record in 2002.
Seasonality
from June to July, with timing varying by location.
Diet
feed on Daucus carota (wild and cultivated carrot), Peucedanum oreoselinum, Heracleum , Foeniculum species (including cultivated fennel), and Silaum species. diet not specified in sources.
Host Associations
- Daucus carota - larval includes cultivated carrots
- Peucedanum oreoselinum - larval
- Heracleum - larval -level association
- Foeniculum - larval includes cultivated fennel
- Silaum - larval -level association
Life Cycle
. Larval stage feeds internally or externally on umbellifer plants. and occur in early summer. One per year with adults active June–July.
Ecological Role
on Apiaceae. May act as seed of umbelliferous plants in natural and agricultural .
Human Relevance
Pest of cultivated carrot and fennel due to larval seed feeding. Presence in North America since 2002 indicates potential for agricultural impact in range.
Similar Taxa
- Sitochroa verticaliscongeneric with similar coloration and markings, co-occurs in agricultural , distinguished by geometry
- Anania hortulata crambid with similar nondescript yellowish- , distinguished by geometric morphometry of landmarks
- Pleuroptya ruralisfound in corn fields and other agricultural settings with similar appearance, requires analysis for reliable separation
More Details
Identification Technology
Polish researchers developed a semiautomated identification method using geometric morphometry of nine landmarks. This technique allows non- to distinguish S. palealis and related crambids from agricultural pests like the with 97% using scanned images and specialized software.
Invasion History
First North record in 2002 represents a recent transatlantic introduction. The mechanism of introduction is unreported, but the ' association with cultivated plants suggests possible transport via agricultural trade.