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Common Name: Lesser Ficus Sphinx
Ecology and Life History: This moth can be found year-round in Central and South America. In the USA, it is possibly a rare stray, or an occasional resident in Southern Florida and therefore is not likely to be encountered. This species is attracted to light, and both males and females will come to artificial light. Bait is not an effective method of targeting this species. This species is not sexually dimorphic, though females are larger than males. Eggs are laid on the undersides of hostplants. Habitat and Searching for Larvae: This species uses plants in the Apocynaceae as well as some Ficus spp. Searching these plants are a good starting point for locating larvae. This species can likely be found anywhere on the hostplant, but may show a preference for new growth in the younger instars. In the USA, this larva may be found in extreme Southern Florida, and possibly in Southern Texas. Larvae are present nearly year-round in Central and South America. It is unknown whether this larva fluoresces under UV light, but given it’s appearance, it almost certainly does. Rearing Notes: {COMING SOON} Host plants: Click here to load this Caspio Cloud Database
Cloud Database by Caspio |
(C) Teá Kesting-Handly
Adult Description: This is a fairly drab brown moth with forewings 42-48mm in length (2). The overall appearance resembles a very small Pachylia ficus, though it lacks a lot of the maculation. The apex of the wings in this species are quite pointed. The postmedial area is darker than the rest of the wing. The hindwings are fairly nondescript, primarily black with some olive-brown edging.
Larval Description: This larva is light green with minimal maculation. The abdominal segments each have a creamy-yellow stripe that runs from the lower corner of the segment upward to the top corner of the segment. The stripes fall before the spiracles. The caudal horn is absent in the final instar, being replaced by a fleshy nub. The easiest way to identify this species is to look at the thoracic legs which are brown and surrounded by a brown patch. |
The gallery to the left contains photos of Pachylioides resumens adults. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
The gallery to the right contains photos of Pachylioides resumens larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
The gallery to the right contains photos of Pachylioides resumens larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
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