Calicotis crucifera, the leather-leaf spore-eater, is a moth of the Stathmopodidae family. It is found in New Zealand and Australia.
| Calicotis crucifera | |
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| Species: | C. crucifera
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| Binomial name | |
| Calicotis crucifera Meyrick, 1889
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Description edit
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 edit
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 edit
The larvae feed on the spores of the fern, Pyrrosia eleagnifolia.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f 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.
- ^ Factsheet: Leather-leaf spore-eater
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