Chasmina candida (Walker, 1865)
(one synonym: Xanthodes mariae)
AMPHIPYRINAE ,   NOCTUIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley


(Photo: courtesy of Craig Nieminski, Darwin)

This caterpillar is brown and stout, with sparse hairs. It has been found feeding on :

  • Cottonwood ( Hibiscus tiliaceus, MALVACEAE ).


    (Photo: courtesy of Craig Nieminski, Darwin)

    The pupa is brown.


    (Photo: courtesy of Craig Nieminski, Darwin)

    The pupa is formed in a silk shelter created in a folded leaf.


    (Photo: courtesy of Craig Nieminski, Darwin)

    Tha adult moths are white, and have an unusual concavity along the forewing costa. The foreleags are brown and the middle and hind legs are white.


    (Photo: courtesy of Craig Nieminski, Darwin)

    Underneath it is plain white.


    (Photo: courtesy of Craig Nieminski, Darwin)

    The species is found across southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, including :

  • Borneo,
  • Cocos Islands,
  • India, and
  • Hong Kong.
    In Australia it has been found in
  • Northern Territory.


    Cocos Islands 1982

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    (updated 12 September 2011)