Pronuba (beetle)

Pronuba is a genus of moths within the family Prodoxidae, commonly known as yucca moths. These moths have an obligate mutualistic relationship with yucca plants (genus Yucca). Specifically, Pronuba moths are the sole pollinators of many yucca species, and yucca plants, in turn, provide the only food source for the Pronuba larvae.

The relationship between Pronuba moths and yucca plants is a classic example of coevolution. The female moth actively collects pollen from the yucca flower using specialized maxillary tentacles. She then flies to another yucca flower and deliberately deposits the pollen on the stigma, ensuring pollination. Following pollination, she oviposits (lays eggs) into the ovary of the flower.

As the yucca seeds develop, the Pronuba larvae hatch and feed on a portion of the developing seeds. The number of eggs laid by the moth is typically regulated to ensure that enough seeds remain to propagate the yucca plant, thus maintaining the mutualistic balance.

The larvae eventually exit the yucca fruit and pupate in the soil, emerging as adult moths to continue the cycle. Pronuba moths are generally small and nocturnal.

The precise number of Pronuba species is debated and subject to ongoing research, as cryptic species may exist.