Epicephala vitisidaea explained

Epicephala vitisidaea is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It is found in Fujian, China^[1] and on the Ryukyu Archipelago.

The larvae feed on the seeds of Breynia vitis-idaea. The adult is the pollinator of the host plant. Eggs are placed in the interspace between the tepal and ovary, so the ovipositor does not penetrate floral tissue.^[2]

It was officially discovered and recorded in 1880.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Zhang, J., Hu, B., Wang, S. & Li, H. (2012). "Six new species of Epicephala Meyrick, 1880 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) associated with Phyllanthaceae plants." Zootaxa 3275: 43-54.
2. https://zookeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=6721 Revision of the Japanese species of Epicephala Meyrick with descriptions of seven new species (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae)
3. Revision of the Japanese species of Epicephala Meyrick with descriptions of seven new species (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae). 10.3897/zookeys.568.6721. 568. free. 2016. Kawakita. Atsushi. Kato. Makoto. ZooKeys. 87–118. 27103875. 4829671. 2016ZooK..568...87K .