35.127 Tuta absoluta (Tomato Leaf-miner)
South American species inadvertently introduced with tomatoes. A pest of tomato crops. First found in UK in 2009
Tuta absoluta §1 male
ID: This species does not feature in MBGBI. Identification was based on realisation that the male genitalia do not fit the key to Gelechiid genera given in MBGBI4.2 and then comparison of male genitalia with the image of this species at the Moth Dissection and then of the adult with the image at the uk moths website. I have incorporated it into the male genital key on the form of the valvae - the basal half is tubular, well-sclerotised and without bristles, the apical half appears as an appendage of the basal half, flat, poorly sclerotised and with bristles. The long, broad saccus also appears to be a good identification feature.
Dissection
Male genitalia
§1 St Marys, Isles of Scilly; 30/09/2011; male; fw 4.6mm
§2 St Marys, Isles of Scilly; 15/10/2018; male; fw 4.3mm; to light
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 St Marys, Isles of Scilly; 15/10/2018; male; fw 4.3mm; to light
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 01/11/11 (§1) | §2 added 06/12/2018
