Sciota dammersi
leadplant webworm
Sciota dammersi, commonly known as the leadplant webworm, is a of in the Pyralidae, Phycitinae. It is one of several leafroller species in the Sciota, which are known to serve as prey for the Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monobia quadridens). The species name honors entomologist Charles Dammers. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, suggesting it may be uncommon, locally distributed, or underreported.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sciota dammersi: /ˈʃaɪ.oʊ.tə ˈdæm.ər.si/
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Distribution
The has been recorded in North America, with iNaturalist observations from Texas and Oklahoma. The specific plant association with leadplant (Amorpha canescens) suggests distribution may correspond to the range of this leguminous shrub, which occurs primarily in the central United States and southern Canada.
Diet
Larvae have been observed feeding on leadplant (Amorpha canescens), a leguminous shrub. The derives from this association.
Host Associations
- Amorpha canescens - food plantlarval ; 'leadplant webworm' derives from this association
Ecological Role
Serves as prey for . Documented as a food source for the Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monobia quadridens), which provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars of this and related Sciota .
Similar Taxa
- Sciota uvinellaSimilar size, appearance, and ecological role; both are leafroller moths preyed upon by Monobia quadridens. S. uvinella feeds on sweetgum rather than leadplant.
- Other Sciota species members share similar and ; identification to level requires examination of genitalia or plant association.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'dammersi' honors Charles Dammers, an entomologist who contributed to the study of North American .
Observation Rarity
As of 2024, iNaturalist records only 5 observations of this , suggesting it is either genuinely rare, difficult to detect, or restricted to specific where its plant occurs.