Terastia meticulosalis

Guenée, 1854

erythrina borer, erythrina twigborer

Terastia meticulosalis is a in the Crambidae, commonly known as the erythrina borer or erythrina twigborer. The has a wide distribution across the Americas and Caribbean, with records from the southern United States, Jamaica, and Hawaii. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Erythrina species.

Terastia meticulosalis by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.Terastia meticulosalis by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Terastia meticulosalis: /tɛˈræstiə mɛˌtɪkjʊloʊˈsælɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

No distinguishing characteristics provided in available sources. Identification likely requires examination of genitalia or molecular methods.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan approximately 39 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with plants of the Erythrina. Specific preferences beyond host presence are not documented.

Distribution

North America: south-eastern Arizona, southern Texas, Louisiana, Florida. Caribbean: Jamaica. Pacific: Hawaii (introduced or established).

Diet

Larvae feed on Erythrina . feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

  • Erythrina - larval plant-level association; specific Erythrina not identified in sources.

Human Relevance

Potential pest of ornamental Erythrina plantings. 'twigborer' suggests larval tunneling in stems.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Terastia species members share similar and Erythrina associations. Specific differentiation criteria not documented.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The was described by Guenée in 1854. GBIF records indicate presence in Hawaii, though this may represent introduction rather than native range.

Sources and further reading