Euclasta gigantalis explained

Euclasta gigantalis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. The female has a wingspan of 45mm.[1]

Distribution

It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, La Réunion and Madagascar.[2]

In 1988 this moth was also released in Australia for biological control of Cryptostegia grandiflora.[3]

Biology

The larvae feed on Camptocarpus mauritianus, Cryptostegia grandiflora, Cryptostegia madagascariensis (Apocynaceae) and Clerodendrum heterophyllum (Lamiaceae).[4]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/104640#page/489/mode/1up Amsel, H. G. 1963. Kleinschmetterlinge aus Äthiopien. - Stuttgarter Beiträge zur Naturkunde 121:1–12.
  2. http://www.afromoths.net/species_by_code/EUCLGIGA afromoths
  3. A leaf feeding moth,Euclasta whalleyi [Lep.: Pyralidae] for the biological control ofCryptostegia grandiflora [Asclepiadaceae] in Queensland, Australia . 10.1007/BF02375267 . 1990 . McFadyen . R. E. . Marohasy . J. J. . Entomophaga . 35 . 3 . 431–435 .
  4. Guillermet, 2009a. Les Hétérocères, ou papillons de nuit, de l'île de La Réunion. Volume 3. Familles des Pyralidae et Crambidae. - — :1–552, pls. 1–11.