Omphalocera
Lederer, 1863
snout moths
Species Guides
2- Omphalocera cariosa(Moonseed Webworm)
- Omphalocera munroei(Asimina Webworm Moth)
Omphalocera is a of snout moths in the Pyralidae, Galleriinae. The genus was established by Julius Lederer in 1863 and contains three described . Larvae of at least one species, Omphalocera munroei, exhibit group-feeding , a trait that distinguishes this genus ecologically from many solitary-feeding pyralids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Omphalocera: /ˌɒm.fə.ləˈsɪə.rə/
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Identification
Members of this can be recognized as pyralid moths by the characteristic elongated labial palps forming a 'snout' projection. Within Galleriinae, -level identification requires examination of genitalia and wing pattern details; the three described species (O. cariosa, O. munroei, O. occidentalis) are distinguished by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences.
Images
Distribution
The contains with distinct ranges: Omphalocera cariosa (type species, described from Cuba), O. munroei (eastern North America), and O. occidentalis (western North America, as the name indicates).
Behavior
Larvae of Omphalocera munroei exhibit group-feeding , with multiple individuals feeding together on material. Females display specific oviposition behavior involving the placement of clutches, with clutch size being a measurable reproductive trait.
Similar Taxa
- Other Galleriinae generaSimilar snout moth ; distinguished by larval (group-feeding in Omphalocera munroei versus typically solitary feeding in related ) and specific wing and genitalia characters.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established with Omphalocera cariosa as the type . Two additional North American species were described later: O. occidentalis (1924) and O. munroei (1956). The latter has been the subject of behavioral study due to its unusual group-feeding larval habit.