The plant and the insect co-evolved; that is, they developed in intimate connection with each other. This is called an obligate mutualism in which if one were to disappear, the other would follow the same path. Originally it was a relationship of exploitation, with the moth larvae feeding on the seeds of the yucca.
Likewise, people ask, what is the relationship between yucca plant and yucca moth?
The yucca (Yucca spp.) and the yucca moth (Tegeticula spp.) share a mutually beneficial relationship, each dependent on the other for survival. The female yucca moth is the sole pollinator of the yucca, and the yucca is the only caterpillar host plant of the yucca moth.
Subsequently, question is, how does yucca and Pronuba moth depends on each other? The soaptree yucca and the pronuba moth depend on each other to survive (a dependency called mutualism). On the very same night that the soaptree yucca’s flowers bloom, the female moth breaks out of its cocoon. The moth then flies in circles until it catches the scent of the flower.
Similarly, what is the role of the yucca moth?
Yucca moths play an important role in the survival of yucca plants. Without the yucca moth, the yucca plant would lose its only pollinator, and without the plant, the moth would lose its food source. Each depends on the other for survival.
Where are yucca moths found?
Range. Conforms to its yucca plant species host’s range (which may vary from region to region). The yucca moth is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The Sonoran Desert region is home to approximately ten species of yucca plant, and where there are yucca plants, there are yucca moths.
5 Related Question Answers Found
Where did the yucca plant come from?
The yucca plant is native to the high deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is also found less commonly in parts of the eastern United States and West Indies. Extracts from the plant’s root are used in alternative medicine as a soap and as an herbal dietary supplement.
What is the role of the Yucca?
When a female is ready to lay eggs, she first goes to a yucca flower to collect pollen. Unlike most moth species, yucca moths have two short tentacles near their mouth that they use to scrape pollen from the anthers of the flower.
How long do yucca plants live?
5-7 years
How is Yucca grown?
Yucca Growing Outdoors It is also able to withstand temperatures as cold as 10 F. (-12 C.), so you can grow a yucca plant in many different climates. The creamy-white flowers bloom best in full sun, during mid to late summer, with some yucca growing as tall as 10 feet and leaves that reach about 2 ½ feet in length.
What do yucca moths pollinate?
The moths in this case, specifically Tegeticula and Parategeticula, pollinate yucca flower purposefully, and lay their eggs in the flowers. The larvae of the moths rely on yucca seeds as nourishment and this is also cost inflicted on the plants to maintain the mutualism.