Yucca Moths
What are they?
The Yucca moth family includes some very specialized species that have a very close association with yucca plants. In some cases, the moths have become the sole pollinators of yuccas, while their larvae feed on the developing seeds of the yucca plants.
Identification
Members of the genus Tegeticula ('true' yucca moths) can be told from Prodoxus by their hump-shouldered, rather than stream-lined look. At one time, the Eastern Yucca Moth could be safely identified quite readily as it was considered to be the only member of the family in our region. However, recent research has revealed that this appears to be a complex of several, very closely related species. The yucca moth complex in our region consists of small white moths with contrastingly dark gray hindwings.
00200.1 Eastern False Yucca Moth Prodoxus decipiens
Length: 12-13mm. Flight Time: May-June. Larval Food: Yucca.
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