Parapoynx diminutalis

Parapoynx diminutalis Snellen, 1880
(one synonym : Oligostigma pallida Butler, 1886)
NYMPHULINAE , CRAMBIDAE

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

Parapoynx diminutalis
(Photo: courtesy of Nick Monaghan, Tewantin, Queensland)

The caterpillars of this species is off-white with a pale brown head. It has stiff hairs along the body and two long hairs at the tail. The caterpillars have been found feeding on the leaves of aquatic plants in the genus:

Esthwaite Waterweed ( Hydrilla, HYDROCHARITACEAE )

The wings of the adult have a striking pattern of brown and white. The moth has a wingspan of about 2 cms.

The eggs are yellow and laid in masses on water plant leaves on the surface of the water.

The species originally occured in south-east Asia, including

India,

Thailand,
and in Australia in

Western Australia,

Northern Territory,

Queensland, and

New South Wales,
but has since been found in:

U.K., and

U.S.A..

The species has been suggested as a control agent in USA for Esthwaite Waterweed, which is pest in waterways there, but its depradations are too variable.