Darapsa
Darapsa myron
Darapsa is a genus of butterflies of the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). The genus is closely related to the genus Xylophanes.
Features
The moths are medium sized. Their forewings have a slightly crescent-shaped tip, a convex outer edge and a sharp Analwinkel. The thin probes are curved at its end. Darapsa versicolor has a showy white forewing pattern that clearly stands out from the olive-green color. The other two species of the genus, however, are stained quite dark.
The caterpillars of the three species look very similar. The first abdominal segment is much thickened. Unlike usual with enthusiasts, the caterpillars can not retreat into the thickened segment their first body segments and the head. The Analhorn is flashy and fleshy. The dolls are also very similar. They are light beige to greyish, slightly stocky and have a matt, slightly rough surface. The elytra are strongly spotted black. The eyes, spiracles and Intersegmentalhäute on the abdomen are black.
Occurrence and life
The genus is widespread nearktisch. The caterpillars feed on various species of plants from the families of the grapevine family ( Vitaceae ), heather family ( Ericaceae ), Honeysuckle ( Caprifoliaceae ), Madder ( Rubiaceae ), hydrangea plants ( Hydrangeaceae ) and Lythraceae ( Lythraceae ). Pupation occurs in a cocoon spun silk and plant parts, etc. on or just below the surface.
System
Worldwide three species of the genus are known:
- Darapsa choerilus ( Cramer, 1779)
- Darapsa myron ( Cramer, 1779)
- Darapsa versicolor (Harris, 1839)