Melitara doddalis
Dyar, 1925
Melitara doddalis is a snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1925. The occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Opuntia cacti, tunneling into the basal segments of plants. are active in autumn, with a period from September to early October.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melitara doddalis: /məˈlɪtərə ˈdɒdəˌlɪs/
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Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions supporting Opuntia cactus , including desert and scrubland environments of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Distribution
Southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, southwestern Texas (United States); northern Mexico.
Seasonality
on wing from September to early October. occurs on the ground during August and September.
Diet
Larvae feed on Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia macrorhiza var. macrorhiza, and Opuntia phaeacantha var. phaeacantha. A 2020 study found larvae to be unselective among available Opuntia .
Host Associations
- Opuntia ficus-indica - larval food plantlarvae tunnel into basal segments
- Opuntia macrorhiza var. macrorhiza - larval food plantlarvae tunnel into basal segments
- Opuntia phaeacantha var. phaeacantha - larval food plantlarvae tunnel into basal segments
Life Cycle
occurs on the ground during August and September. follows, with period from September to early October.
Behavior
Larvae tunnel downward into the basal segments of cacti.
Similar Taxa
- Melitara dentataPreviously treated as a synonym of M. doddalis; taxonomic distinction requires careful examination.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was previously considered a synonym of Melitara dentata. Catalogue of Life and GBIF currently list M. doddalis as a synonym of Zophodia dentata, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty in this group.