Litchi leafroller
Common NameLitchi leafroller
Scientific NamePlatypeplus aprobola
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, pink
HabitatOrchards, cultivated areas, tropical and subtropical forests
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands
Host PlantsLitchi chinensis, Dimocarpus longan, Nephelium lappaceum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, feeding internally within the leaves of host plants, causing characteristic tunnels or blotches. Pupation typically occurs within the mined leaf or in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the mottled brown and grey forewing pattern, and the prominent pale or pinkish patch on the hindwing margin. Its resting posture with antennae extended forward is also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring a distinctive pale or pinkish patch near the tornus (hindwing margin). Its antennae are often held forward at rest.
