Apical Penicillifera
Common NameApical Penicillifera
Scientific NamePenicillifera apicalis
FamilyNolidae
SubfamilyNolinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Taiwan)
Host PlantsMallotus paniculatus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae feed on specific host plants, and pupation typically occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, creamy white coloration, and the specific arrangement of small dark spots on the forewings, particularly the prominent apical spot. The fluffy body and plain white hindwings are also characteristic.
Description
A small, creamy white moth with a fluffy body and broad wings. Its forewings feature a few small, dark brown or black spots, notably one near the apex and another more centrally, while the hindwings are plain white.
