Rhectocraspeda periusalis
(Walker, 1859)
Eggplant Webworm Moth
Rhectocraspeda periusalis is a small crambid commonly known as the eggplant webworm moth. It exhibits in size and is active year-round in tropical and subtropical regions. The is notable as a pest of solanaceous crops, with larvae feeding on eggplant, tomato, pepper, tobacco, and various nightshades. Its distribution spans the Caribbean, southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhectocraspeda periusalis: //rɛktoʊˈkræspɪdə pɛriˈjusəlɪs//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar crambid by association with solanaceous plants and geographic range. Forewing length measurements differ between sexes, with males averaging larger. Larvae are approximately 20 mm and feed within webs on Solanum and related . Confirmation may require genitalia dissection or molecular identification.
Appearance
Small with forewing length of 8.2–9.7 mm in females and 9.5–10 mm in males. are sexually dimorphic. Larvae reach approximately 20 mm in length.
Habitat
Agricultural and natural areas supporting solanaceous plants. Associated with cultivated fields and weedy margins where occur.
Distribution
West Indies; United States (Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee); Mexico; Central America ( Rica, Honduras, Panama); South America (Ecuador, Brazil, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname); Galápagos Islands.
Seasonality
recorded on wing year-round in suitable climates.
Diet
Larvae feed on Capsicum annuum (pepper), Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), Solanum hirtum, Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), Solanum melongena (eggplant), Solanum nigrum (black nightshade), and Solanum torvum (turkey berry).
Host Associations
- Capsicum annuum - larval food plantpepper
- Nicotiana tabacum - larval food planttobacco
- Solanum lycopersicum - larval food planttomato
- Solanum melongena - larval food planteggplant
- Solanum nigrum - larval food plantblack nightshade
- Solanum torvum - larval food plantturkey berry
- Solanum hirtum - larval food plant
Life Cycle
Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae reach approximately 20 mm before . Adults active year-round, suggesting overlapping in tropical climates.
Behavior
Larvae are web-forming feeders on leaves and fruits of plants. are and have been recorded on wing throughout the year.
Ecological Role
Herbivore specializing on Solanaceae. Acts as a crop pest in agricultural systems and likely contributes to of weedy Solanum in natural .
Human Relevance
Agricultural pest of solanaceous crops including eggplant, tomato, pepper, and tobacco. Larval feeding damages foliage and fruit, potentially reducing yields. reflects primary association with eggplant.
Similar Taxa
- Other Crambidae in subfamily SpilomelinaeMany small crambid share similar size and general appearance; identification to requires plant association, geographic data, or genital examination.
More Details
Taxonomic note
GBIF lists this with status 'DOUBTFUL' and places the in Psara rather than Rhectocraspeda, indicating possible taxonomic instability requiring further revision.
Basionym
Originally described as Botys periusalis by Francis Walker in 1859.