Seq # 265540010

Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) Species

Last modified: Feb. 27, 2024, 11:06 a.m.


A pest species on Solanaceae. This very rare species is mainly observed in the northern part of Belgium. Distribution insufficiently known due to similarity with other species of the family.


Details

Classification
Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Gelechiinae > Tribus: Gnorimoschemini > Genus: Phthorimaea > Species: Phthorimaea operculella
Vernacular names
Aardappelmot (NL), Potato tuber moth (EN), Kartoffel-Palpenmotte, Kartoffelmotte (DE)
Status

Native


Distribution


Imago

Wingspan 12–16 mm.

Museum specimens

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Specimens in nature


Mine

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Bionomics

The rosy white larva develops usually in potato tubers, but when it emerges on leaves, it forms a gallery and penetrates the fruits, stems and leaves of the food plant. Larval development only above temperatures higher as 10°C. Hibernation as egg and later it pupates in a very narrow whitish cocoon.

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Flight periods

Usually around six generations a year in Mediterranean regions, but it appear usually from April till October with the generations overlapping each other.


Observed on

Host plant (species):
Solanum tuberosum and Lycopersicon esculentum

The larva feeds on Lycium europaeum, Lycopersicon esculentum, Nicotinia tabacum and different species of Solanum.

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