KEYS    About TortAI    Fact Sheets    Glossary    ID Thumbnails    DNA Search    Dissection Guides Talponia batesi << Previous Next >> Port Interception Target - Larva Talponia batesi (Heinrich) (Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Grapholitini) Fig. 1: Male Fig. 1: Male Fig. 2: Female Fig. 2: Female Fig. 3: Male genitalia Fig. 3: Male genitalia Fig. 4: Female genitalia Fig. 4: Female genitalia Adult Recognition FWL: 5.0-6.5 mm Forewings are broadly triangular with a strongly arched costa, a row of black dots along the termen, and a conspicuous notch below the apex. The basal half of the wing is olive green while the apical half is extensively marked with metallic striations. Males lack a forewing costal fold. The only other member of this genus, T. plummeriana, is recorded from the eastern half of the United States where it feeds on Asimina spp. (pawpaw); there are also unverified records of T. plummeriana from Mexico. The two species are similar in appearance but T. plummeriana is easily distinguished from T. batesi by the reddish color on the apical half of the forewing. Genitalia of the two species are quite different and a dissection can be used to confirm identity. Larval Morphology Last instar larvae are approximately 8-10 mm in length with a whitish abdomen. The head is yellowish brown and the prothoracic shield is brown to yellowish brown. Talponia larvae can be distinguished by the large, single, brown pinaculum on A9 where the D1, D2, and SD1 setae are located. Other morphological features include: SV setal counts on A1,2,7,8,9 as 2:2:2:2:1 or 2:2:2:1:1; SD1 on A8 anterodorsal to spiracle; abdominal setae short; anal comb absent. Biology Females lay eggs on the flowers and fruits of Annona. Larvae bore into the fruit and feed inside until mature. Pupation occurs in leaves outside of the fruit. The number of generations per year is unknown although it is assumed that larval development is synchronized with fruit development. Host plants This species is a serious pest of Annona, and in Mexico crop losses on cherimoya range from 45-100% if larvae are not controlled. Talponia batesi is commonly intercepted at U.S. ports of entry on Annona originating from the Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America. Family Genus/species Common name Annonaceae Annona cherimola Mill. cherimoya Annonaceae Annona glabra L. pond apple Annonaceae Annona muricata L. soursop Annonaceae Annona L. custard apple Distribution Talponia batesi has been recorded from the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Larvae are commonly intercepted at U.S. ports of entry on Annona originating in Guatemala or Mexico. References Gomez, V. R. C. and J. V. Carrasco. 2008. Morphological characteristics of antennal sensilla in Talponia batesi (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 101: 181-188. Heinrich, C. 1932. A new species infesting Annona (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 34: 20-23. MacKay, M. R. 1959. Larvae of the North American Olethreutidae (Lepidoptera). Canadian Entomologist Supplement 10: 1-338. Tortricids of Agricultural Importance by Todd M. Gilligan and Marc E. Epstein Interactive Keys developed in Lucid 3.5. Last updated August 2014.