Calicotis crucifera

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Calicotis crucifera
Calicotis crucifera (alive).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Stathmopodidae
Genus: Calicotis
Species:
C. crucifera
Binomial name
Calicotis crucifera
Meyrick, 1889
Calicotis crucifera Pl.1-05-Calicotis crucifera Meyrick, 1889.jpg
Calicotis crucifera

Calicotis crucifera, the leather-leaf spore-eater, is a moth of the Stathmopodidae family. It is found in New Zealand and Australia.

Contents


Description

The mature larva of C. crucifera are approximately 6mm long and are a white colour, plump with a pale brown head. [1] The wings of the adult are grey with dark specks.

Behaviour

The larvae of this species can be observed on the underneath of the fronds of its host species. [1] The larva builds silk tubes disguised with fern spore dust and white frond hair. [1] They feed on the fern spores. [2] Larvae can be seen most months of the year. [1] The adult is on the wing from January to May. [1]

Host plant

The larvae feed on the spores of the fern, Pyrrosia eleagnifolia . [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Andrew Crowe (2004). Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns: Featuring the unique caterpillars which feed on them. p. 5. ISBN   0-14-301924-4. Wikidata   Q115211440.
  2. Factsheet: Leather-leaf spore-eater