Melitara subumbrella (Dyar, 1925)

Family: Pyralidae

Subfamily: Phycitinae

Identification:

Wing Span: 3.5-5.2 cm

Life History: Eggs are deposited in a stick shaped pile on cactus pods and fruits. The larvae bore into the pads where they complete the life cycle.

Flight: The main flight period is March to October.

Caterpillar Hosts: Opuntia spp. (prickly-pear cacti).

Adult Food:

Habitat: Dry desert.

Range: Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan to southern Arizona and central Texas.

Conservation:

NCGR:

Management Needs:

Comments: Among the largest of the Phycitini, may be mistaken for a noctuid.

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