Abstract
The larva of the tineid moth Ceratophaga vicinella is a scavenger that feeds on the keratin plates of dead gopher tortoises ( Gopherus polyphemus ) in south Florida. The larva makes a multilayered silk tube that extends over part of the shell and into the sandy soil beneath. The mature pupa appears to ratchet its way up the tube by using abdominal spines. Ceratophaga larvae are the only insects that are able to subsist on a diet of solid, dry keratin. The genus Ceratophaga is primarily African; C. vicinella , the only New World species, is possibly a remnant of a more widespread lineage. Unless C. vicinella has another, unknown dietary resource, it is almost certainly an endangered species.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
