Palpita_unionalis

<i>Palpita vitrealis</i>

Palpita vitrealis

Species of moth

Palpita vitrealis, common name jasmine moth or white pearl, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae.

Quick Facts Palpita vitrealis, Scientific classification ...

Distribution

This species occurs worldwide, including Africa (Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa), [2]Asia, Australia and Europe.[4] In Europe, it is mainly found in southern Europe, but may be found further north. [3][5]

Description

in Ghana

The wingspan of Palpita vitrealis can reach 27–31 mm. The body and the wings are translucent with a slight sheen. Eyes are large and reddish-brown. On the upper edge of the forewings is present a rather broad orange or brown border. The forewings also show two black spots in the middle. Legs are white and brown ringed.[6]

Biology

These moths mainly fly from August till late October, depending on the location. They feed on nectar of various flowers, including ivy and buddleia.[6][7] This species shows a migratory nature. The larvae are initially yellow, later becoming green. They can grow to a length of about 2 cms. They feed on the leaves of the host plants, mainly jasmine (Jasminum officinale), privet (Ligustrum species), Forsythia, Arbutus unedo and european olive (Olea europaea). [7] In Africa the preferred host plants are Sida rhombifolia, Grewia, Helicteres isora, Schima noronhae and Randia scortechinii. [2] The larvae are considered a pest of olive fields, as they attack the leaves and fruits. The final instar of the larvae spins some leaves together and form a silky cocoon to pupate.[5]

References

  1. [1]
    Lepiforum
  2. [2]
    African Moths
  3. [3]
    Fauna Europaea
  4. [4]
    Funet
  5. [5]
    Plantwise Knowledge Banl
  6. [6]
    UK Moths
  7. [7]
    Catalogue of lepidoptera of Belgium


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