Gopherus-polyphemus

Guides

• Ceratophaga vicinella

  Gopher Tortoise Shell Moth

  Ceratophaga vicinella is a highly specialized keratin-feeding moth in the family Tineidae. The larvae feed exclusively on the keratin shells of dead gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), making this species dependent on a single host source that is currently in decline. Adults are small, dark moths with distinctive cream-colored head tufts. The species has a restricted range in the southeastern United States and appears to be declining due to threats facing its tortoise host.

  keratinophagousspecialistthreatenedhost-specificdecomposerindicator-speciesTineidaeLepidopteraendangered-host-associationsoutheastern-USAFloridaMississippigopher-tortoiseGopherus-polyphemusgregarious-larvaesilk-tube-construction