35.127 Tuta absoluta (Tomato Leaf-miner) 0825a
South American species inadvertently introduced with tomatoes. A pest of tomato crops. First found in UK in 2009
Tuta absoluta §1, male; St Marys, Isles of Scilly; 30/09/2011; fw 4.6mm © Chris Lewis
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 dissection group website 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.
Page published 01/11/11