Moths of
the Amazon and Andes
Brazil-nut Prominent
Crinodes besckei
HÜBNER, 1824
Family -
NOTODONTIDAE
subfamily -
Tribe -
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Crinodes besckei, Manu
cloudforest, 1400m, Peru |
Introduction
The family Notodontidae has representatives throughout the
world in temperate and tropical regions. The moths are commonly known as
Prominents, a name which refers to the prominent raised tufts of hair-like
scales on the thorax.
The
genus
Crinodes
is confined to the neotropics and comprises about 40 medium sized species, all
of which are cryptically patterned in shades of brown. They have raised tufts of
scales on the wings and thorax, their heads are retracted, and they usually rest
with their wings tightly folded around the body and their legs hidden beneath
the wings. The overall effect is to make the moths look very solid and
3-dimensional. Some species look like bits of bark, others like dead leaves, and
some species are remarkably like the fallen seeds and nuts of forest trees.
Habitats
Crinodes
species are found in rainforest and cloudforest habitats throughout tropical and
sub tropical regions of the New World.
Crinodes besckei
occurs at altitudes between sea level and about 1800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The moths are attracted to tungsten, fluorescent and mercury
vapour lighting, and during daylight hours can sometimes be found
at rest on foliage, or amongst leaf litter on the forest floor.
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