Musotima nitidalis
Appearance
Musotima nitidalis | |
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Species: | M. nitidalis
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Musotima nitidalis | |
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Musotima nitidalis is a species of moth of the Crambidae family described by Francis Walker in 1866. It is known from New Zealand and most of Australia, including Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Adults are brown with various white markings outlined in black on each forewing.[2]
The larvae feed on the undersides of the leaves of various Polypodiophyta species, including Adiantum aethiopicum and Pteridium esculentum. They live in a sparse web. They are pale green with a transparent skin. Pupation takes place in a folded leaf of the food plant, held by strands of white silk.
References
- ^ "Australian Faunal Directory". Environment.gov.au. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
- ^ "Musotima nitidalis (Walker, 1866)". Australian Caterpillars and their Butterflies and Moths. 8 September 2011. Retrieved 9 January 2018.