Crocidosema

Zeller, 1847

Crocidosema is a of tortrix in the , tribe Eucosmini, Olethreutinae. The genus contains approximately 29 described , distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere with particular abundance in the Neotropics. Some species occur in other regions, including the Hawaiian Islands. The genus includes both agricultural pests and species used in .

Crocidosema by (c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Crocidosema lantana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Crocidosema litchivora by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Crocidosema: //ˌkɹɒsɪˈdoʊsiːmə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Members of this can be recognized by distinctive patterns: in the , 3 and 4 originate from a common stalk and are approached by the fifth vein at its end; in the , veins 4-6 converge at the . are generally small and inconspicuous.

Images

Habitat

Found in diverse across the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Neotropical regions. Some inhabit agricultural as pests.

Distribution

Primarily Southern Hemisphere, especially common in the Neotropics. Some occur on the Hawaiian Islands and other locations outside the core Neotropical range.

Host Associations

Malvaceae - primary for some C. plebejana and related utilize various Malvaceae
Fabaceae - C. aporema feeds on wild and cultivated Fabaceae including soybean (Glycine max) and Lotus corniculatus
Sesuvium - for C. leprarumcoastal specializing on this Aizoaceae
Lantana - for C. deliberately for of this
Cryptocarya mannii - recorded Lauraceae for C. in Hawaii
Gossypium hirsutum - cotton, for C. plebejana
Malva parviflora - weed for C. plebejana

Human Relevance

Several have significant economic importance. Crocidosema plebejana (cotton tipworm) is an occasional pest of cotton and other malvaceous plants, with persisting on weedy like Malva parviflora. It has become widely distributed through trade in agricultural produce. (bean shoot / borer) is a pest of soybean and other legumes in South America, with recent reports of to Bt toxin Cry1Ac in Brazilian populations. Crocidosema (lantana flower-cluster moth) has been deliberately to some locations for of Lantana.