Setomorpha rutella
Zeller, 1852
Tropical Tobacco Moth
Setomorpha rutella is a tineid commonly known as the tropical tobacco moth. It has been widely distributed through commerce across warmer regions of Africa, Eurasia, Malaysia, Australia, Pacific islands, and the Americas. The is notable as an intermediate for the Tetrameres mohtedai, which infects fowl.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Setomorpha rutella: //sɛtəˈmɔrfə ruːˈtɛlə//
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Distribution
Widely distributed through commerce in warmer parts of Africa, Eurasia, Malaysia, Australia, many Pacific islands, North America, and South America. Specific distribution records include the Galápagos Islands, Mozambique, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (Bas Congo, Equateur provinces).
Host Associations
- Tetrameres mohtedai - intermediate ; development to takes less than 2 weeks under laboratory conditions
- Gallus domesticus - transmitted toFinal of T. mohtedai; occurs via ingestion of infected or larval S. rutella
Life Cycle
Development of the Tetrameres mohtedai to in this intermediate takes less than 2 weeks under laboratory conditions. Parasite development to the infective stage does not depend on of the intermediate host.
Ecological Role
Intermediate for the Tetrameres mohtedai, facilitating transmission to avian final hosts.
Human Relevance
Pest of stored tobacco products; also serves as laboratory for studying Tetrameres mohtedai, a of domestic fowl.
More Details
Parasite Host Relationship
Experimental evidence demonstrates that final (fowl) can be established using infective larvae dissected from S. rutella, or by ingestion of either infected or infected larval . The pre-patent period in fowl averages 36 days.