1 - Phytosanitary Resources

Identification
For further information on reporting and submitting samples, refer to How to
Submit Insect Specimens on page F-1 and Taxonomic Support for Surveys
on page G-1.
Diagnostic Aids
For further information on identification of Tuta absoluta and several similar
species, refer to the following diagnostic aids:
◆ Field Screening Aid for Tuta absoluta on page B-1
◆ Diagnostic Aid for Tuta absoluta on page C-1
◆ Diagnostic Aid for Phthorimaea operculella on page D-1
◆ Field Screening Aid for Keiferia lycopersicella on page E-1
Description
Use the morphological characteristics described in this section to identify Tuta
absoluta.
Adults
Adults are about 1 cm long, with a wingspan of about 1 cm (Table 3-1 on
page 3-2). There is no obvious sexual dimorphism, although the abdomen in
male moths is narrower and pointed posteriorly, while that of females is wider
and bulkier. Abdominal scales are gray in males and cream colored in females
(Vargas, 1970). Adult moths are mottled gray in color (Figure 3-1 on
page 3-3) (Estay, 2000). Antennae are long and filiform (Vargas, 1970).
Taxonomic identification requires dissection of the male genitalia (Vargas,
1970). For further information, refer to the images of genitalia in the screening
aids provided by Brambila et al. (2010). Electronic versions of the screening
aids are also available at the Web site of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest
Survey (CAPS).
Table 3-1 Wing Length of Tuta absoluta 1
Gender
1 Vargas, 1970.
Wing Length (mm)
Mean Range Specimens
Male 10.10 8.00–11.60 25
Female 10.73 8.00–12.40 27
3-2 Tomato Leafminer 6/2011
Emergency and Domestic Programs