Anabasis ochrodesma
Zeller, 1881
cassia webworm
Anabasis ochrodesma, commonly known as the cassia webworm, is a snout moth ( Pyralidae) native to the Neotropical region. The is a herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on Cassia species (Fabaceae), constructing silk shelters between leaflets to feed protected from . are active year-round with multiple annually, reflecting the tropical and subtropical distribution of the species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anabasis ochrodesma: /əˈnæbəsɪs ˌɒkroʊˈdɛzmə/
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Identification
are small snout moths in the Phycitinae. Larvae are distinguished by their : young larvae bore into terminal shoots, while older larvae construct flat silk shelters by binding multiple Cassia leaflets together. Several larvae may occupy a single shelter. The specific association with Cassia plants and the distinctive shelter-building behavior aid in field identification.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions where Cassia plants occur. include open woodlands, forest edges, disturbed areas, and cultivated landscapes where Cassia are present.
Distribution
Southeastern United States (Florida), Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Cuba, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad), Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Panama), and northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela).
Seasonality
are on wing year-round with multiple per year in the native range.
Diet
Larvae feed on Cassia (Fabaceae), specifically Cassia obtusifolia, Cassia alata, Cassia bahamensis, Cassia fistula, Cassia javanica, and Cassia siamea. They consume the inner and mesophyll of leaflets from within silk shelters.
Host Associations
- Cassia obtusifolia - larval plant
- Cassia alata - larval plant
- Cassia bahamensis - larval plant
- Cassia fistula - larval plant
- Cassia javanica - larval plant
- Cassia siamea - larval plant
Life Cycle
Multiple per year. Young larvae bore into terminal shoots of plants. Older larvae transition to constructing silk shelters between leaflets, feeding on inner leaf tissues from within these structures. Several larvae may share a single shelter.
Behavior
Larvae exhibit progressive behavioral changes: initial boring into terminal shoots followed by cooperative or aggregated shelter-building using silk to bind leaflets. This shelter construction provides protection during feeding. are and attracted to light.
Ecological Role
herbivore on Cassia . Larval shelter-building may influence leaf tissue allocation in plants. Serves as prey for and in tropical and subtropical .
Human Relevance
Potential minor pest of ornamental and cultivated Cassia . The 'cassia webworm' reflects its association with these plants. Not known to cause significant economic damage.
Similar Taxa
- Other Phycitinae speciesMany Phycitinae larvae construct silk shelters or webs on plants; however, A. ochrodesma is distinguished by its exclusive association with Cassia and the specific 'flat shelter' architecture described in the literature.
More Details
Original description
Originally described as Myelois ochrodesma by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1881, later transferred to Anabasis.
Nomenclatural note
The name Anabasis is preoccupied in zoology (also used for a genus of crustaceans), but remains in use for this pyralid genus.