The two subspecies are very distinctive from each other and from other species. The darker subspecies could conceivably be mistaken for T. synthetica on Y. brevifolia, but its abdomen is not dorsally flattened as in synthetica, and the female does not have a triangualar seventh tergite. Examination of the genitalia provides definitive identification for both sexes. The female oviposits into flowers, or rarely fruits, and the larva feeds on developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.
Adults are largely diurnal.
Tegeticula m. maculata and T.t.extranea were originally described as separate species. Pellmyr et al. References Aker, C.L. 1982. Aker, C.L. and D. Udovic. Davis, D.R. 1967.