Megalorhipida leucodactylus (Fabricius, 1794)
(one synonym : Pterophorus defectalis)
PTEROPHORIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Debbie Matthews Lott & Stella Crossley

(updated 15 May 2009)

Megalorhipida leucodactyla

Megalorhipida leucodactyla

The Caterpillar has been reported to feed on a variety of plants, including :

  • Calabash ( Lagenaria siceraria, CUCURBITACEAE ),
  • Te Mao ( Scaevola frutescens, GOODENIACEAE ),
  • Viscid Acacia ( Acacia neovernicosa, MIMOSACEAE ),
  • Scarlet Spiderling ( Boerhavia coccinea, NYCTAGINACEAE ).

    Megalorhipida leucodactyla
    Pupa with scale of 1 mm.

    The adult moths have wings composed of separate feather-like segments. They are brown with black and white markings, and have a wingspan of about 2 cms.

    Megalorhipida leucodactyla
    (photo: courtesy of Donald Hobern, Aranda)

    The moths have been found in the subtropics around the world, including:

  • Chile,
  • Italy,
  • U.S.A.,
    as well as in
  • Australian Capital Territory.

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