Hyrtaca Lappet Moth
Common NameHyrtaca Lappet Moth
Scientific NameMetanastria hyrtaca
FamilyLasiocampidae
SubfamilyLasiocampinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, plantations
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host Plantsmango, pine, tea, rubber tree, acacia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and polyphagous, feeding on various trees and shrubs. They pupate in cocoons, often incorporating plant material.
Identification TipsKey features include the stout, hairy body and the distinctive dark, often trapezoidal, patch on the forewing against a cryptic brown background.
Description
A medium to large-sized, stout-bodied moth with cryptic brown forewings. It features a prominent, dark, often blackish-brown trapezoidal patch on the discal area, sometimes with a small pale spot.
