Moths of the Amazon
and Andes
Mimosa Pearl
Leuciris fimbriaria
STOLL, 1781
Family - GEOMETRIDAE
subfamily -
ENNOMINAE
Tribe -
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Leuciris fimbriaria,
( or very closely related Leuciris
species ), Rondonia, Brazil |
Introduction
This
pretty moth is reminiscent of the
Nymphidium metalmarks. It has a wingspan of
about 3cms. It was previously known by the name
Teinocladia cuculliodes.
Leuciris
fimbriaria occurs as
a native species from Mexico to Peru. It has also been deliberately introduced
to Australia.
Habitats
Disturbed forest habitats at altitudes of between 200-1500m.
This
species was deliberately introduced to the Northern Territory of Australia in
2004 as a means of controlling
Mimosa, a prickly
bush which originated in South America but was imported into the botanic gardens
at Darwin, from where it spread across the floodplains to become a threat to
native Australian plants.
Lifecycle
The
turquoise eggs are laid in batches on
Mimosa pigra and related plants.
The
"looper" larvae are green, and feed diurnally. The pupae are very dark reddish
black, and are formed without a cocoon amongst leaf litter or just below the
surface of the ground.
Adult behaviour
Attracted to tungsten and
mercury vapour lights.
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