Cryptobotys Explained

Cryptobotys is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1956. It is monotypic, with its only species, Cryptobotys zoilusalis, described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is found in Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Central America (Honduras, Costa Rica, Mexico) and the southern United States, where it has been recorded from Florida.^[1]

Description

Adults are cinereous (ash gray) with whitish interior and exterior lines, slightly bordered with brownish. The marginal line is brownish.^[2] Adults have been recorded on wing from February to August and from November to December in Florida.

Behaviour and ecology

The larvae feed on Xanthium strumarium.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 801190.00 – 5282 – Cryptobotys zoilusalis – (Walker, 1859) . North American Moth Photographers Group . Mississippi State University . April 5, 2018.
2. https://archive.org/stream/listofspecimenso1618brit#page/603/mode/1up List of the Specimens of Lepidopterous Insects in the Collection of the British Museum 18: 603
3. Web site: Savela . Markku . Cryptobotys zoilusalis (Walker, 1859) . Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms . January 24, 2018.