Platynota wenzelana
(Haimbach, 1915)
Platynota wenzelana is a small tortricid found in the southwestern United States. The was described by Haimbach in 1915. have a wingspan of 20–24 mm. Like other members of the Platynota, the larvae are likely leafrollers, though specific plant associations for this species have not been documented. The species is poorly studied compared to related such as P. stultana, which is a significant agricultural pest.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platynota wenzelana: /ˌplætɪˈnoʊtə wɛnˈzɛlənə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The Platynota contains several similar that are difficult to distinguish without examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis. Platynota wenzelana is geographically restricted to Arizona and New Mexico, which helps separate it from eastern and more widespread . It is smaller than some related species. Positive identification requires reference to original description or examination.
Appearance
have a wingspan of 20–24 mm. As a member of Tortricidae, the forewings are typically broad and somewhat rectangular with a characteristic bell-like shape at rest. Specific coloration and pattern details for this are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
United States: Arizona and New Mexico.
Ecological Role
Larvae likely function as herbivores, feeding on plant foliage in a leafrolling fashion typical of the . The has been documented as prey for the mason wasp Monobia quadridens, which hunts caterpillars including Platynota spp. to provision its nests.
Human Relevance
No direct economic significance has been documented for this . It is not known to be an agricultural pest like the related leafroller (Platynota stultana).
Similar Taxa
- Platynota stultanaSimilar size and appearance, but P. stultana is widespread across North America and a major pest of citrus, grapes, and other crops; P. wenzelana is restricted to Arizona and New Mexico and is not documented as a pest.
- Other Platynota speciesNumerous exist in North America, many requiring genitalia dissection or molecular analysis for reliable identification; geographic distribution is a useful first-level separator.
More Details
Prey of Monobia quadridens
Documented in a 2012 blog post by entomologist Eric Eaton as one of the caterpillar prey items hunted by the four-toothed mason wasp Monobia quadridens ( Vespidae, Eumeninae). The paralyzes caterpillars and provisions them in nest for its larvae.