A First Record of Anatrachyntis badia (Hodges 1962) (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae) on Zamia integrifolia (Zamiaceae)

Abstract

This paper describes the first record of the cosmopolitan moth Anatrachyntis badia on the native Florida cycad Zamia integrifolia, and discusses its possible pollination benefit for this threatened plant. This new record is interesting due to the highly toxic nature of these endangered plants as well as their strict reliance on insect pollination for reproduction. It suggests that associations between species of Anatrachyntis and members of the Cycadales may be more widespread than currently known.