Macalla thyrsisalis

Walker, 1859

mahogany webworm moth, mahogany webworm

, known as the , is a snout moth in the Pyralidae described by Francis Walker in 1859. The larval stage is a strikingly colored caterpillar that feeds on West Indies mahogany, causing damage to the plant. The is distributed across southern Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macalla thyrsisalis: /məˈkælə θɜrˈsɪsəlɪs/

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Identification

pyralid moths in the Macalla can be recognized by their snout-like labial palps. Larvae are distinguished by their striking coloration and association with mahogany foliage. Specific diagnostic features for separating M. thyrsisalis from not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with West Indies mahogany stands; specific requirements beyond plant presence not documented.

Distribution

Southern Florida, the Bahamas, Hispaniola, southern Mexico, Central America, Trinidad, and the Amazon delta in Brazil.

Diet

Larva feeds on West Indies mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni). feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

  • West Indies mahogany - larval plantPrimary ; larvae cause feeding damage to this

Behavior

Larval includes web-spinning, indicated by '.' Specific behavioral details not documented.

Ecological Role

Herbivore; larval feeding on mahogany foliage. Specific functions beyond direct herbivory not documented.

Human Relevance

Considered a pest of West Indies mahogany with economic importance in mahogany . Management strategies have been developed for this .

Similar Taxa

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Francis Walker in 1859. Classified in Epipaschiinae of Pyralidae.

Research documentation

Subject of UF/IFAS Featured Creatures fact sheet (EENY-383/IN689, 2006), indicating established pest status in Florida.

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Sources and further reading