Omphalocera munroei
Martin, 1956
Asimina Webworm Moth, Pawpaw Webworm Moth
A pyralid in the Galleriinae, known for its specialized association with pawpaw (Asimina) species. Larvae are group-feeding and construct leaf shelters. The species has been studied for its clustered oviposition and gregarious larval development.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Omphalocera munroei: /ˌɒmfəˈlɒsərə mʌnˈroɪiː/
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Identification
Larvae can be recognized by their gregarious feeding habit within constructed leaf shelters on Asimina plants. are pyralid moths; specific diagnostic features distinguishing them from related Omphalocera are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Associated with supporting Asimina , which include deciduous forests and woodland understories in eastern North America.
Distribution
United States, specifically recorded from Florida, Indiana, and West Virginia. Distribution corresponds to the range of its Asimina plants in eastern North America.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves, buds, and twigs of Asimina .
Host Associations
- Asimina - obligate herbivoreLarvae feed on leaves, buds, and twigs; specific Asimina not distinguished in available sources.
Life Cycle
Females lay in clusters (clutches) on plants. Larvae feed gregariously within leaf shelters they construct. Detailed site and timing are not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Group-feeding: larvae feed gregariously. Females exhibit clustered oviposition, laying in discrete clutches on plants. Larvae construct leaf shelters from which they feed.
Ecological Role
Herbivore on Asimina ; may influence plant foliage and bud development. Specific functions beyond herbivory are not documented.
Human Relevance
Potential minor pest of cultivated pawpaw (Asimina triloba) plantings due to larval feeding on foliage, buds, and twigs. reflect association with pawpaw/asimina plants.
Similar Taxa
- Omphalocera cariosaCongeneric in same ; specific distinguishing features for O. munroei are not documented in available sources.
- Other Galleriinae members share general body plan; O. munroei distinguished by documented specialization on Asimina and group-feeding larval .
More Details
Research Note
Oviposition and clutch size have been specifically studied in this , making it a documented example of clustered -laying and gregarious larval development among pyralid moths.