Plutella armoraciae

Busck, 1913

Plutella armoraciae is a in the , first described by Busck in 1913. It is restricted to north-western North America and is closely related to the (). The is notable for its very pale coloration compared to its and its specialized larval association with Armoracia species (horseradish and related plants).

Plutella armoraciae by (c)
Landry J-F, Hebert PDN, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Plutella armoraciae by Landry J-F, Hebert PDN. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Plutella armoraciae: /pluˈtɛl.la ˌar.moˈra.ki.ae/

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Identification

Distinguished from the similar by its markedly paler coloration. The two can be confused based on general wing pattern, but P. armoraciae lacks the darker pigmentation present in P. xylostella. Examination of may be required for definitive identification. The geographic restriction to north-western North America also aids in separation from the P. xylostella.

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Habitat

Associated with where plants of the Armoracia occur. Specific habitat preferences beyond host association have not been documented.

Distribution

Restricted to north-western North America. The precise range boundaries have not been extensively documented, but records are limited to this region.

Diet

feed exclusively on of Armoracia (horseradish and related plants in the Brassicaceae). feeding habits have not been documented.

Host Associations

Armoracia - larval -level association; specific not documented

Similar Taxa

Plutella xylostellaSuperficially similar in pattern, but distinguished by much paler coloration and geographic restriction to north-western North America versus distribution

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by August Busck in 1913, this has received limited study compared to its economically important P. xylostella. The specific epithet armoraciae reflects its larval association with Armoracia (horseradish).