Neoleucinodes torvis
Capps, 1948
A small crambid with dirty white wings, found throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. The shows sexual size dimorphism, with females larger than males. Larvae are specialized feeders on Solanum torvum (turkey berry), a weedy nightshade.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neoleucinodes torvis: /ˌniːoʊˌluːˈsɪnəˌdiːz ˈtɔrvɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Neoleucinodes by combination of small size, dirty white wing coloration, and geographic distribution. The specific association with Solanum torvum may aid identification where this plant occurs. Accurate identification to species level likely requires examination of genitalia or molecular methods.
Habitat
Associated with where Solanum torvum grows; this plant is a weedy of disturbed areas, agricultural fields, and open tropical lowlands.
Distribution
Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Virgin Islands, St. Croix), Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Panama), and South America (Peru, Brazil—Minas Gerais, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana). GBIF also records presence in the conterminous United States.
Diet
Larvae feed on Solanum torvum (turkey berry), a in the nightshade (Solanaceae). feeding habits are unknown.
Host Associations
- Solanum torvum - larval Specialized feeding relationship; sole documented plant.
Ecological Role
As a herbivore on Solanum torvum, likely contributes to of this weedy plant. May serve as prey for in tropical .
Human Relevance
Solanum torvum is an agricultural weed and in some regions; the 's potential as a agent has not been formally evaluated. No direct economic impact documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Neoleucinodes speciesNeoleucinodes contains multiple associated with Solanaceae ; accurate separation requires detailed morphological or molecular study.
- Leucinodes spp.Related crambid with similar appearance and solanaceous associations; historical taxonomic confusion between these genera.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Hahn William Capps in 1948. The Neoleucinodes was established to accommodate previously placed in Leucinodes that showed distinct morphological features.