Dasypyga alternosquamella
Ragonot, 1887
snout moth
A snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) to western North America. Described by Ragonot in 1887, this has evolved a strict ecological dependency on dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium). Its larvae are obligate herbivores that mine mistletoe shoots, often killing the plant. The species represents a notable case of host-specific herbivory with measurable ecological impacts on mistletoe .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dasypyga alternosquamella: /ˌdæsɪˈpaɪgə æltərnoʊskwəˈmɛlə/
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Habitat
Associated with coniferous forests where dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium) parasitizes trees. Larval is within mistletoe shoots; habitat context poorly documented but presumably near host plants.
Distribution
Western North America. Specific range boundaries not well documented in available sources.
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium), specifically documented on Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum and Arceuthobium campylopodum. First instar larvae consume flowers and shoot tips; later instars mine into shoots and feed internally. No diet documented.
Host Associations
- Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum - larval food plantdocumented ; larvae mine shoots and consume internal tissues
- Arceuthobium campylopodum - larval food plantdocumented ; larvae mine shoots and consume internal tissues
- Arceuthobium - larval food plant ( level) herbivore on dwarf mistletoes; specific associations may be broader than two documented
Life Cycle
Complete (, larva, pupa, ). Larvae pass through multiple instars. First instar feeds externally on flowers and shoot tips of dwarf mistletoe. Later instars transition to internal feeding, mining into mistletoe shoots from the base upward. site not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Larvae exhibit color plasticity: body color varies depending on the color of the mistletoe shoots they consume. Mining is destructive to plants, typically killing the mistletoe shoot. Large larval can substantially impact local dwarf mistletoe .
Ecological Role
herbivore and apparent control agent for dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium). Larval feeding kills mistletoe shoots, potentially reducing mistletoe spread and impact on conifer trees. Role in as prey for or not documented.
More Details
Larval color variation
Larvae are highly variable in color, matching the color of their mistletoe shoots. This appears to be dietary rather than genetic coloration, representing a form of phenotypic plasticity.
Ecological impact
Documented as capable of dramatically impacting dwarf mistletoe when are large, due to shoot-killing mining . This suggests potential as a agent, though no management applications are documented in available sources.