Monoptilota pergratialis
Hulst, 1886
lima-bean vine borer moth
Monoptilota pergratialis, commonly known as the lima-bean vine borer moth, is the sole in the Monoptilota. It is a small pyralid in the Phycitinae. The species is found in the central and southeastern United States. Larvae are known to bore into the stems of lima bean plants, causing damage to cultivated crops.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Monoptilota pergratialis: //ˌmɒnəpˈtɪlɔtə ˌpɛrˌɡræʃiˈeɪlɪs//
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Images
Habitat
Agricultural fields and areas where lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are cultivated; likely also present in weedy or naturalized supporting wild or bean .
Distribution
Central and southeastern United States.
Diet
Larvae feed on lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) plants, boring into stems and vines.
Host Associations
- Phaseolus lunatus - larval food plantLima bean; larvae bore into stems and vines causing damage to cultivated plants.
Behavior
Larval stage bores into stems and vines of plants, potentially causing wilting or plant death.
Ecological Role
Agricultural pest of lima bean .
Human Relevance
Recognized as a pest of lima bean crops; larvae damage plants by tunneling through stems and vines.
Similar Taxa
- Other Phycitinae speciesMany small pyralid moths in this have similar size and general appearance; accurate identification requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Monoptilota is a containing only M. pergratialis, described by George D. Hulst in 1886.