64 



U.S. NATIONAL MUSEUM BULLETIN 2 55 



southwest of, 200 ft, Mexico, 9, July 20-23, 1963, Duckworth and 

 Davis collectors (USNM). Described from a total of 42 cf cf and 

 23 9 9. 



Recorded host. — Yucca schottii Englemann. Larva probably bores 

 in flower stalks of host. 



Distribution (map 7). — This species has been collected in two, 

 widely disjunct and dissimilar areas. In northern Veracruz, it has 

 been found near sea level; whereas in southeastern Arizona, it com- 

 monly occurs in a much drier habitat at elevations between 4500 

 and 5500 feet. 



Discussion. — The biology of this species, when more fully under- 

 stood, should prove as interesting as that of Tegeticula, especially 

 with regard to its evolutionary significance. The first specimens of 

 Parategeticula poUeniJera were collected by Drs. J. G. Franclemont 

 and E-. W. Hodges in Madera Canyon, Arizona during the summer of 

 1959. Upon close examination, the author realized that these speci- 

 mens represented a new genus which probably was involved as a 

 poUinator of some species of southwestern Yucca, possibly Y. schottii. 

 The moth's role as a plant pollinator was suggested not only by the 

 existence of maxillary tentacles, but also by the presence of pollen 

 masses, held firmly under the head, in nearly all females examined. 



Map 7. — Distribution of Parategeticula pollenifera (see map 9 for distribution of host). 



