Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701
Fulgoraecia exigua
This record describes Fulgoraecia exigua (species). Recorded family: Epipyropidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701 (Fulgoraecia exigua) is a species in the family Epipyropidae, commonly known as planthopper parasites, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the superfamily Zygaenoidea. This species belongs to the genus Fulgoraecia. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 8-13 mm wingspan per Arnett. Active during June-Oct. per Covell.
Wikipedia reference for Fulgoraecia exigua: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epipyrops_exigua.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Zygaenoidea
- Family
- Epipyropidae (Planthopper Parasites)
- Genus
- Fulgoraecia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
N.J. and Pa. to cen. Fla., west to Mo. and Tex per Covell But also AZ and NM per Arnett
Seasonal Activity
June-Oct. per Covell (1984) ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larva sucks body fluids from various planthoppers. Covell (1984) ( 3 )
Life History
Larvae are parasitoids (or parasites ?) of Fulgoroid planthoppers. Eggs laid on plants frequented by planthoppers (Homoptera, superfamily Fulgoroidea). First-instar larva attaches itself to the planthopper, on which it becomes an ectoparasite, sucking body fluids from the abdomen beneath the wings. Some life-cycle details are still not known for our single N. American species. Covell (1984) ( 3 ) Life cycle photos: 1.larva 2.larva on plant hopper 3.cocoon 4.freshly eclosed adult 5.adult Video of pupation
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Fulgoraecia exigua. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701 (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , anitagould , Mike Quinn , marcie oconnor , Blocky
Frequently Asked Questions About Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701
What is Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701?
Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701 (Fulgoraecia exigua) is a species in the family Epipyropidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701?
8-13 mm wingspan per Arnett
Where is Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701 found?
Range: N.J. and Pa. to cen. Fla., west to Mo. and Tex per Covell But also AZ and NM per Arnett
What does Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701 eat?
The diet of the Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701 includes Larva sucks body fluids from various planthoppers. Covell (1984) ( 3 ).
When is Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701 active?
Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701: seasonal activity - June-Oct. per Covell (1984) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Planthopper Parasite Moth - Hodges#4701?
Larvae are parasitoids (or parasites ?) of Fulgoroid planthoppers. Eggs laid on plants frequented by planthoppers (Homoptera, superfamily Fulgoroidea). First-instar larva attaches itself to the planthopper, on which it becomes an ectoparasite, sucking body fluids from the abdomen beneath the wings. Some life-cycle details are still not known for our single N. American species. Covell (1984) ( 3 ) Life cycle photos: 1.larva 2.larva on plant hopper 3.cocoon 4.freshly eclosed adult 5.adult Video of pupation