Homaloxestis cholopis

Homaloxestis cholopis
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Lecithoceridae
Genus:	Homaloxestis
Species:	H. cholopis
Binomial name
Homaloxestis cholopis (Meyrick, 1906) [1]
Synonyms
Lecithocera cholopisMeyrick, 1906 Homaloxestis lophophoraJanse, 1954 Homaloxestis surreptaDiakonoff, 1968

Homaloxestis cholopis is a moth in the family Lecithoceridae. It is found in Taiwan, China (Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan), Myanmar, Nepal, India, Java and south-western Africa. ^[2]

The wingspan is 14.5–17 mm. The forewings are rather dark fuscous and the hindwings are whitish-grey, greyer posteriorly. ^[3]

Habitat

H. cholopis is found in various parts of Asia, particularly in forested areas with ample vegetation. These environments provide the necessary food and shelter for the species .

The wingspan is 14.5–17 mm. The forewings are rather dark fuscous and the hindwings are whitish-grey, greyer posteriorly. ^[4]

Behavior

H. cholopis is nocturnal, being active during the night. The larvae typically feed on detritus or decaying organic matter, contributing to the decomposition process in their habitats .

Lifecycle

The lifecycle of H. cholopis includes the stages of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Each stage has specific requirements and behaviors, with females laying eggs on substrates that ensure emerging larvae have access to food [Robinson, Tuck, & Shaffer, 1994].

Research and studies

H. cholopis is often studied in entomology due to its ecological role and diversity. These moths can serve as indicators of environmental health and biodiversity. Information on the conservation status of this species is limited, but habitat preservation is crucial for maintaining moth populations.

Unique characteristics

Adaptations in H. cholopis include camouflage and nocturnal behavior to avoid predators. They play an essential role in the ecosystem by helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.

References

1. TaiBNET - Catalogue of Life of Taiwan
2. Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera) of Taiwan (I): Subfamily Lecithocerinae: Genera Homaloxestis Meyrick and Lecithocera Herrich-Schäffer
3. J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 17 (1): 149 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
4. J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 17 (1): 149 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .

• Park, K. T. (2000). "Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera) of Taiwan, IV: Genus Homaloxestis Meyrick". Insecta Koreana. 17 (1): 15–22.
• Meyrick, E. (1910). "Descriptions of Indian Micro-Lepidoptera. XI". Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. 20: 151–175.
• Kim, S.; Park, K. T. (2012). "Review of the genus Homaloxestis Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae) from Southeast Asia". Zootaxa. 3363: 1–25.
• Robinson, G. S.; Tuck, K. R.; Shaffer, M. (1994). A Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of South-East Asia. Malayan Nature Society. ISBN   9789839681130.
• Common, I. F. B. (1990). Moths of Australia. Melbourne University Press. ISBN   9780522843262.