AMYELOIS TRANSITELLA Meaning and
Definition
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Amyelois transitella, commonly known as the navel orangeworm, is a species of moth that belongs to the family Pyralidae. The name "navel orangeworm" is derived from the fact that this insect is a serious pest of various tree crops, particularly orange and other citrus fruits, as well as almonds and pistachios.
The adult navel orangeworm is a small moth with a wingspan of about 1.5 centimeters. The wings are light brown in color, with small, indistinct markings. The larvae or caterpillars are the most damaging stage of this pest. They are approximately 1 to 1.5 centimeters long, yellowish-white in color, with a distinct brown head capsule. They feed inside the fruit, causing damage and consuming the inner contents.
The life cycle of Amyelois transitella typically begins with the eggs being laid on the surface of the fruit or nuts. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the fruit or nuts, where they complete several molts before pupating inside a cocoon. The pupal stage lasts for a few weeks before adult moths emerge to continue the cycle.
The navel orangeworm is responsible for significant economic losses in agricultural regions where citrus fruits and tree nuts are grown. Farmers and agricultural authorities employ various methods, such as monitoring, sanitation, and the use of biological and chemical controls, to manage and control the population of this pest.
Etymology of AMYELOIS TRANSITELLA
The etymology of the word "Amyelois transitella" is as follows:
1. Amyelois: The term "Amyelois" is a combination of two Greek words - "a" meaning "without" and "myelos" meaning "marrow". This refers to the absence of marrow in the thoracic segments of the larvae of this genus of moths. The genus name "Amyelois" was coined in 1873 by the French entomologist Émile-Louis Ragonot.
2. Transitella: The specific epithet "transitella" is Latin in origin and it means "crossing" or "passing through". It is derived from the Latin word "transitus" which means "passage" or "crossing". This term refers to the behavior of the moth larvae tunneling and feeding inside fruits or nuts, thus "passing through" the host item.
