Phryxus (moth)
Phryxus Caicus is the only butterfly species of the genus Phryxus from the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). The species is probably closely related to the genus Erinnyis.
- 3.1 food plants of the caterpillars
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Characteristics of the moths
The moths have a forewing length of 33-37 millimeters. You have a certain similarity to species of the genus Erinnyis, especially with the males of Erinnyis ello. However, the black bars at the sides of the chest on the front vane base and the smooth outer edges of the front wing different type. The color and pattern of the moths is not variable, and males and females do not differ in this respect.
Features of the crawler
The caterpillars occur in a green and a brown color variation and are longitudinally striped. They have a slim body and beginning a long Analhorn which reduced to the last stage to a very short, fleshy spike.
Features of the dolls
The doll is shiny mahogany and has easily recognizable black veins on the wing sheaths. The proboscis sheath is completely overgrown. The doll is very difficult to distinguish from those of Erinnyis species.
Occurrence
The species is widespread neotropisch and is detected in the United States only irregularly in southern Florida. Only once a moth in Clemson (South Carolina) has been demonstrated. The species lives only in coastal mangrove swamps.
Way of life
The adults occur south of Florida, especially from August to November frequently, but can be observed throughout the year. The slip occurs at dusk, the moths later in the evening start to become active. They are found occasionally during the morning and at dusk on both artificial light sources as well as on flowers when nectar eyes.
Food plants of the caterpillars
The caterpillars feed in their tropical habitat of various dogbane family ( Apocynaceae ). In Florida, you can find them in the growing in the local mangrove swamps Rhabdadenia bilfora. However, it is believed that there also other Hundsgiftgewächse be accepted; However, this has not yet been sufficiently investigated.
Development
The females lay their eggs singly. The caterpillars hatch within a few days. Initially resting on the track of the center rib, or the underside of the leaves. You are on very well camouflaged by their coloring. In the last two stages of the caterpillars to Rhabdadenia biflora have a very characteristic feeding behavior. The paired leaves are always eaten in succession before the caterpillar climbs on to the next pair. This exposes the larvae to the risk of predation, since the plants are only sparsely covered with leaves and they are in their long walks on the stems poorly camouflaged. Pupation takes place in a loosely spun cocoon on the ground, made of silk and plant parts and the like.