Microthyris prolongalis
Guenée, 1854
Microthyris prolongalis is a crambid described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It has a wingspan of approximately 33 mm and occurs from Brazil northward through Central America, the Caribbean, and into the southern United States (Texas and Florida). are active during multiple months in Florida, with records from June, October, and December. The feed on Ipomoea .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microthyris prolongalis: /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈθaɪ.rɪs ˌproʊ.lɒŋˈɡæl.ɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Can be distinguished from similar crambid by its documented distribution in the Neotropics and subtropical North America combined with association with Ipomoea plants. The specific pattern and characteristics that separate it from are not detailed in available sources.
Appearance
have a wingspan of approximately 33 mm. As a member of Crambidae, the body is likely slender with elongated typical of the , though specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Occurs in tropical and subtropical regions from Brazil through the Caribbean to the southern United States. Likely associated with open where plants (Ipomoea ) grow, though specific habitat requirements are not documented.
Distribution
Brazil; West Indies (Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba); Central America ( Rica, Panama, Belize, Honduras); Mexico; United States (Texas, Florida).
Seasonality
active in June, October, and December in Florida. Seasonality in other parts of the range is not documented.
Diet
feed on Ipomoea . feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Ipomoea - larval includes morning glories and related
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Specific details on development duration or number of per year are not documented.
Ecological Role
Larval on Ipomoea; specific ecological impacts or interactions are not documented.
Human Relevance
Minor potential agricultural relevance due to larval feeding on Ipomoea, which includes some cultivated ornamental . Not documented as a significant pest.
Similar Taxa
- Other Microthyris species in the same would require examination of or detailed pattern analysis for definitive separation; specific differentiating characters are not available in cited sources.
- Other Spilomelinae crambids contains many slender, -sized with similar general appearance; association and geographic distribution may aid identification.
More Details
Taxonomic placement
Classified in Spilomelinae within Crambidae; previously Crambidae was treated as a subfamily of , but modern recognize it as a distinct .