Platynota calidana
(Zeller, 1877)
Platynota calidana is a small tortricid with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. The is known from limited geographic records in Cuba and Florida, USA. As a member of the leafroller moth Platynota, its larvae likely feed on plant foliage, though specific associations remain undocumented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platynota calidana: //plæ.tɪˈnoʊ.tə kæ.lɪˈdæ.nə//
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Identification
Distinguishing Platynota calidana from other Platynota requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis; no field identification characters are documented. The small size (15 mm wingspan) and restricted range (Cuba and Florida) may help narrow possibilities when combined with other data.
Distribution
Recorded from Cuba and Florida, United States. The limited distribution suggests a Caribbean-Floridian affinity.
Ecological Role
As a member of the Tortricidae, the likely contributes to as herbivore in larval stage and as prey for and other . Specifically documented as prey for the mason wasp Monobia quadridens, which hunts Platynota caterpillars to provision nests.
Similar Taxa
- Platynota stultanaAnother Platynota with documented pest status on citrus; differs in broader distribution and specific associations
- Platynota flavedanaCongeneric with similar ; requires dissection for reliable separation
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Cerorrhineta calidana by Zeller in 1877, later transferred to Platynota.
Prey record
Documented as prey of Monobia quadridens (Four-toothed Mason Wasp), a solitary vespid that hunts leafroller caterpillars including Platynota spp.