Calicotis crucifera
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Stathmopodidae
Genus:
Calicotis
Species:
C. crucifera
Binomial name
Calicotis crucifera
Meyrick, 1889
Calicotis crucifera

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


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]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Calicotis crucifera.
Wikispecies has information related to Calicotis crucifera.
  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


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