Elophila occidentalis
Elophila occidentalis is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by William Harry Lange in 1956.[1] It is found in the United States, where it has been recorded from California, Arizona and Nebraska.
Elophila occidentalis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Lepidoptera |
Family: | Crambidae |
Genus: | Elophila |
Species: | E. occidentalis |
Binomial name | |
Elophila occidentalis (Lange, 1956) | |
Synonyms | |
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The wingspan is 11–15 mm for males and 15–22 mm for females. The forewings are fuscous with rufous-and-white markings. The hindwings are fuscous with a reddish area at the base. Adults have been recorded on wing from June to September[2] in two to three generations per year.
The larvae feed on Echinodorus cordifolius, Bacopa rotundifolia, Potamogeton gramineus, Sigittaria species, Typha californica and Jussiaea californica. Young larvae cut a small peace of a leaf of their host plant and shelter beneath this while feeding on the leaf. Older larvae create a case. Young larvae are white, but turn pale green when growing older. Full-grown larvae reach a length of about 16 mm. Pupation takes place in a silken cocoon made inside the case.[3]
References
- Nuss, M.; et al. (2003–2014). "GlobIZ search". Global Information System on Pyraloidea. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- "800731.00 – 4757 – Elophila occidentalis – (Lange, 1956)". North American Moth Photographers Group. Mississippi State University. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
- Aquatic Insects of California: With Keys to North American Genera and California Species