- Source: Embryonopsis halticella
Embryonopsis halticella is a species of flightless moth found on islands of the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean (Crozet archipelago, Heard Island, Kerguelen Islands and Prince Edward Islands).
Taxonomy
Embryonopsis halticella was described by A. E. Eaton in 1876 from specimens collected on Kerguelen Islands.
Description
The moth is 5–5.5 mm (0.20–0.22 in), brown and brachypterous. Mature caterpillars are 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) long. As a caterpillar this species is not freeze-tolerant, but they do not freeze until they have reached −17 to −20 °C (1 to −4 °F).
Hosts and behaviour
The adult moths do not feed. Caterpillars eat tussock grass Poa cookii. The whole life of a caterpillar is spent inside the inner fronds of tussock tillers. All life stages can be found throughout the year but on Kerguelen, adults peak during December. Caterpillars of Embryonopsis halticella cause extensive damage to tussock grass.
Distribution
Despite reduced wings of the adult moth this species is found in four island groups in the Sub-Antarctic: Prince Edward Islands, Heard Island, Kerguelen Islands, and the Crozet archipelago. The distribution of the moth matches that of its food plant the tussock grass Poa cookii.
References
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Embryonopsis halticella
- Poa cookii
- List of moths of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands
- List of non-avian biota of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
- List of moths of South Africa
