Aegiale hesperiaris

Aegiale hesperiaris, commonly known as the tequila giant skipper, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiinae. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Aegiale. Its caterpillar is one of two varieties of edible "maguey worms" that infest maguey and Agave tequilana plants.^{[1][unreliable source?][2][unreliable source?]}

Aegiale hesperiaris
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Hesperiidae
Subfamily:	Hesperiinae
Tribe:	Megathymini
Genus:	Aegiale C.Felder & R.Felder, 1860
Species:	A. hesperiaris
Binomial name
Aegiale hesperiaris (Walker, 1856)
Synonyms
List (Genus) Acentrocneme C.Felder & R.Felder, 1862 Teria P.Blásquez & I.Blásquez, 1870 Acentrocneme Scudder, 1875 (Species) Castnia hesperiaris Walker, 1856 Aegiale kollari C.Felder & R.Felder, 1860 Teria agavis P.Blásquez & I.Blásquez, 1865

The white maguey worm, known as meocuiles, are caterpillars of this species.^{[3][unreliable source?]}

It usually is found in regions of central Mexico, on the leaves of family Agavaceae plants, such as: Agave tequilana and Agave americana (maguey). They are not found on cacti, as is often erroneously reported. The butterflies deposit their eggs at the heart of the leaves of agaves. The larvae then eat the flesh of the agave stems and roots, sometimes boring out the agave completely.

Life cycle

The Tequila giant skipper's life cycle is closely tied to Agave salmiana. Adult females lay clusters of up to 14 eggs on the agave leaves during the autumn. These eggs hatch within 15 to 40 days, and the larvae bore into the leaves to feed, passing through several developmental stages. Larvae are most abundant between May and July, after which they pupate inside the plant before emerging as adults. This life cycle restricts the species' availability for harvest and complicates sustainable cultivating, as mass-rearing practices are not yet well-established (Molina-Vega et al., 2021).

Habitat and ecology

A. hesperiaris thrives in semi-arid and temperate zones where agave plants grow. As a specialist herbivore, its larvae feed exclusively on agave leaves, influencing both the plant's health and the surrounding ecosystem (Molina-Vega et al., 2021). Though similar in appearance to the larvae of the agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) and the moth Comadia redtenbacheri, A. hesperiaris larvae differ in behavior and culinary value (Finch & Zarazaga, 2007).

Ecological role

A. hesperiaris contributes to agave plant dynamics alongside other herbivores like the agave snout weevil. Unlike the weevil, which can cause severe internal damage and plant death, A. hesperiaris larvae primarily feed on leaf tissues without usually killing the plant (Finch & Zarazaga, 2007). These distinctions are critical for understanding agave conservation and pest management.

Conservation

A. hesperiaris faces genetic challenges in captivity, particularly inbreeding depression, which threatens its survival and reproductive success (Lacy, 1988). Captive populations with low genetic diversity are more vulnerable to health issues, underscoring the need for genetic monitoring and controlled breeding programs to avoid genetic bottlenecks. Habitat protection is also essential to preserve both the species and its ecological functions.

Cultural and nutritional significance

In Mexican cuisine, the larvae of A. hesperiaris, known as "meocuiles," are a delicacy. Rich in protein, fats, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium, they provide a sustainable source of nutrition (Molina-Vega et al., 2021). Despite their nutritional value, the larvae's seasonal availability and the absence of mass production limit their accessibility.

Preservation and market potential

A. hesperiaris has potential as a sustainable protein source as global interest in entomophagy grows. However, achieving market viability requires advancements in preservation methods, consumer education, and quality control. Current harvesting practices are seasonal and unsustainable, and developing mass-rearing techniques could alleviate pressure on wild populations while promoting food security (Molina-Vega et al., 2021).