Atemelia casimiroae sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Praydidae): a new pest species on white sapote (Casimiroa edulis) in California, United States, reveals unique morphology of spinneret and ventral eversible gland

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019Source: Zoologischer AnzeigerAuthor(s): Jae-Cheon Sohn, Marc E. EpsteinAbstractA new species of Praydidae: Atemelia casimiroae sp. nov. is described from California, United States, based on adults and larvae. This species is regarded as a potential pest on white sapote, Casimiroa edulis. Rutaceae is recorded as a host plant family of Atemelia for the first time. Larval characteristics of the spinneret and ventral eversible prothoracic gland of Atemelia were observed via SEM photography. Convergence of Atemelia spinnerets to those found in Limacodidae, Dalceridae and Bombycoidea, and Noctuoidea are discussed as are the presence of the ventral eversible glands in other Yponomeutoidea and convergent structures in Noctuoidea.

Source: A Journal of Comparative Zoology - January 12, 2019 Category: Zoology Source Type: research