I was curious about this little moth when I saw it perched on a leaf near the water's edge. The markings were distinctive, so I figured I'd be able to identify it if I took a photo before it disappeared.
It stayed so still, and seemed unperturbed by my presence so I got a lot closer to see the markings on its wings better
I was excited to find out that it is a native moth of aquatic plants - the Polymorphic Pondweed Moth (
Parapoynx maculalis). It lays it eggs on the underside of spatterdock leaves, taking advantage of already existing holes made by beetles, to extend its ovipositor down to lay them on the underside around the hole. The larvae then feed on the leaves, once hatched. The Annals of the Entomological Society of America have a detailed description of its life history, written in 1916! (
Biology of Aquatic Lepidoptera)
Nature is SO fascinating!
No comments:
Post a Comment