Dalceridae
The Dalceridae are a family of butterflies ( Lepidoptera). Of them, 84 species from the Neotropics are known, only one of these species also occurs in Arizona. The monophyly of the family is through the close contiguity of the wing veins R1 to R2 and R3 to R4, the involution of different areas of the male genitals, the jelly- like extensions of the caterpillar and the presence of additional abdominal leg approaches at the second and seventh abdominal segment of the last two caterpillar stages of some species justified. The phylogenetic relationship within the Zygaenoidea or possibly the Cossoidoidea is still unclear. However, the family has some features which establishes a relationship with the Megalopygidae, Epipyropidae and the worm spinners ( Limacodidae ).
Features
The moths are small to medium in size and have a stocky and hairy body, which usually has a white, yellow or orange color. The head is small and also very hairy. Their wings are broadly rounded. In addition to the large compound eyes, the animals do not have simple eyes ( ocelli ). Their proboscis and the Maxillarpalpen are regressed, the short labial palps are directed bipartite and upwards. Their antennae are short, long in the males, feathered short in the females. The Flügeladerung is well trained. The radial veins of the fore wings are different close to each other to extend depending on the type, only R1 and R2 are the same as R3 and R4 are always contiguous and interconnected.
The caterpillars are similar to slugs and carry on their backs transparent, jelly-like, cone -shaped extensions. The Torah calf A are very small, the abdominal legs consist only of small lobes. Some species, however. Besides the normal abdominal legs on the third to sixth abdominal segments during the last two stages of caterpillars also outsoles on the second and seventh abdominal segment The Nachschieber missing. However, the body bottom is primarily a slimy creeping.
Way of life
The mostly nocturnal Imagines bad can fly and perform in flight tottering up and down movements. Rarely we can see them at the light. You can not take food because of their vestigial mouthparts. In rest position the wings are placed roof-like over the abdomen.
The caterpillars move away rather creeping, although at least in one species, the function of the abdominal legs is reasonably given. Pupation takes place in white or yellow, firm, oval cocoons between leaves. The web consists of an outer, loose part and an inner, dense part.
The females distribute their maximum one millimeter long, elongated and soft-boiled eggs singly in the area. They are usually yellowish and are coated with a liquid from glands in the abdomen, which dries quickly. A female usually lays several hundred eggs. In total there are about 20 families of plants known as forage crops. Preference is given to deciduous trees and shrubs with tender leaves, but the diet is polyphagous. Some species can cause damage to agriculture of coffee, cocoa or palm trees.