Coccidiphila patriciae

Coccidiphila patriciae is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the splendor butterfly ( Cosmopterigidae ).

Features

The moths reach a wingspan 9-10 mm. The species can not be distinguished on the basis of Coccidiphila gerasimovi external characteristics. The reason for this is on the one hand, the strong similarity and the fact that only a few copies of Coccidiphila patriciae are available.

The genital armature of the males is unknown.

The genital armature of the female is similar to the gerasimovi of Coccidiphila.

Dissemination

Coccidiphila patriciae is resident in the Canary Islands.

Biology

The two previously investigated females of the species were grown from the seed pods of the Canary Islands gentian ( Ixanthus viscosus ). The caterpillars eat the seeds and pupate in a silk cocoon, which is mixed with dry feces. Within the seed capsule of the cocoon is extended with a short silky tube that serves the butterflies hatching. The moths emerge in the first third of February.

Documents

• Cosmopterigidae
• Splendor falter