Aegiale hesperiaris

Description

Aegiale hesperiaris is a butterfly known as the tequila giant skipper. It is monotypic in the genus Aegiale. Its caterpillar is one of two varieties of edible "maguey worms" that infest maguey (Agave americana) and Agave tequilana plants. The white maguey worm, known as meocuiles, are caterpillars of this species. 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.