Oviposition-chemoreception
Guides
Phthorimaea operculella
potato tuber moth, tobacco splitworm
Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the potato tuber moth or tobacco splitworm, is a gelechiid moth and major agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops worldwide. The species is oligophagous, feeding primarily on potato tubers and foliage, but also attacks tomato, tobacco, eggplant, and pepper plants. Larval mining of tubers and leaves causes substantial economic damage, rendering potatoes unmarketable. The species has achieved near-global distribution, particularly in subtropical, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, and is subject to extensive integrated pest management efforts including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical interventions.