Castor Semi-looper
Image: कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCastor Semi-looper
Scientific NameAchaea janata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, white
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, forests, scrubland
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Australia
Host PlantsRicinus communis (castor bean), Rosa (rose), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Zea mays (maize)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, seasonal elsewhere
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are semi-loopers, often green or brown with black spots, feeding on leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the cryptic forewings and the distinctive black hindwings with a broad white band and a white apical spot, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings that provide excellent camouflage. Its hindwings, typically hidden at rest, are striking black with a broad white median band and a white apical spot.
