Fruit piercing moth
Common NameFruit piercing moth
Scientific NameEudocima phalonia
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCalpinae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, grey
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, orchards, gardens
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands
Host PlantsTinospora, Stephania, Cocculus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves, larvae feed on foliage, pupation occurs in a cocoon, and adults emerge to feed on ripe fruit juices.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the remarkable dead-leaf mimicry of its forewings, and its prominent, pointed head structure. The hindwings, though not visible here, are bright orange with black markings.
Description
A large moth with forewings cryptically patterned in mottled browns, oranges, and greys, resembling a dead leaf, and a distinctive pointed head.
