Donacaula maximellus

(Fernald, 1891)

Donacaula maximellus is a crambid described by Charles H. Fernald in 1891. The occurs in the southeastern United States, with a notable disjunct in Nebraska. are active throughout the year, and larvae feed on the aquatic grass Zizaniopsis miliacea.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Donacaula maximellus: /dɔˈnɑːkaʊlə mæksɪˈmɛləs/

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Habitat

Associated with aquatic or wetland environments where the larval plant Zizaniopsis miliacea grows. This grass inhabits marshes, swamps, and shallow water margins.

Distribution

Southeastern United States: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Also recorded from Nebraska, representing a disjunct northern .

Seasonality

have been recorded in all months; year-round activity pattern.

Diet

Larvae feed on Zizaniopsis miliacea, a aquatic grass in the Poaceae.

Host Associations

  • Zizaniopsis miliacea - larval aquatic grass

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on aquatic grasses; contributes to nutrient cycling in wetland .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Donacaula speciesMembers of this are morphologically similar and require genitalia examination or larval association for reliable identification.

More Details

Original Description

Originally described as Schoenobius maximellus by Fernald in 1891, later transferred to Donacaula.

Sources and further reading