Pima granitella
Ragonot, 1887
snout moth
Pima granitella is a of snout moth in the Pyralidae. have a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. The species has one to two per year in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Larvae develop within legumes of plants, feeding on seeds.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pima granitella: /ˈpiːmə ˌɡræ.nɪˈtɛl.lə/
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Identification
are small pyralid moths with typical snout moth . Larvae are distinguished by their brown to black body and pale brownish yellow . The can be distinguished from similar Pima species by geographic range and larval associations.
Habitat
Found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. Larval includes stands of legumes (Astragalus and Crotalaria ).
Distribution
Southwestern United States including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Washington.
Seasonality
One to two per year in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. active during warmer months; larvae present in developing legumes during growing season. occurs after in a .
Diet
Larvae feed on seeds of Astragalus (including A. allochrous and A. mollissimus) and Crotalaria species. Young larvae bore into developing legumes at the base, covering the opening with white silk except when feeding on A. mollissimus. likely feed on nectar or not at all.
Host Associations
- Astragalus allochrous - larval larvae bore into developing legumes and feed on seeds
- Astragalus mollissimus - larval larvae do not cover opening with silk when feeding on this
- Crotalaria - larval -level record
Life Cycle
laid on or near plants. Larvae bore into developing legumes, feed on seeds, and may move to another legume if all seeds are consumed. occurs under debris on soil surface after in a . One to two per year in southern parts of range.
Behavior
Larvae exhibit site-specific feeding : when entering legumes, they typically cover the entrance hole with white silk, except on Astragalus mollissimus. Larvae may relocate between legumes if food is depleted. are or .
Ecological Role
Seed of leguminous plants. May influence plant through seed consumption, though typically at low densities.
Human Relevance
Potential minor pest of forage or range legumes, though no significant economic damage documented. Not a target of control programs.
Similar Taxa
- Other Pima speciesSimilar ; distinguished by geographic distribution and larval plant associations
More Details
Larval silk behavior
The observation that larvae cover their entrance hole with white silk on most but not on Astragalus mollissimus suggests host-specific behavioral plasticity, the adaptive significance of which is unclear.