Laetilia coccidivora explained

Laetilia coccidivora, the scale-feeding snout moth, is a species of snout moth in the genus Laetilia. It was described by John Henry Comstock in 1879.[1]

It is found in the southern United States, including California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia.

The wingspan is 10–17 mm.[2]

The larvae are predatory on Coccidae species. They feed on the eggs and young. It uses carminic acid, acquired from its prey, as a defence against its own predators.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Comstock. J. Henry. October 1879. On a New Predaceous Lepidopterous Insect.. The North American Entomologist. 1. 4. 25–29. Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  2. http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Laetilia-coccidivora- Butterflies and Moths of North America
  3. http://bugguide.net/node/view/365724 Bug Guide