Achyra massalis

Achyra massalis, the ombava, is a moth of the family Crambidae. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is found in most of the Old World tropics, including Réunion, Namibia and Australia (including New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia).

Achyra massalis
Dorsal view
Ventral view
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Crambidae
Genus: Achyra
Species:
A. massalis
Binomial name
Achyra massalis
(Walker, 1859)[1][2]
Synonyms
  • Scopula massalis Walker, 1859
  • Anerastia aurantiaca Rothschild, 1921
  • Loxostege fredi Amsel, 1961

The wingspan is about 20 millimetres (0.79 in). Adults have light to dark brown forewings with a submarginal dark band and a dark spot near the centre.

The larvae are considered agricultural pests and have been recorded feeding on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). They are off white, greenish or reddish and have three dark red lines along the body. They only feed at night. By day they rest in a web in the soil near the host plant.[3]

Taxonomy

It is sometimes listed as a synonym of Achyra coelatalis.[4]

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References
  1. Nuss, M.; et al. (2003–2017). "GlobIZ search". Global Information System on Pyraloidea. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  2. "Achyra massalis". PaDIL. 21 July 2009. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  3. "Achyra massalis (Walker, 1859) Ombava". Australian Caterpillars and their Butterflies and Moths. 23 January 2010. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  4. De Prins, J. & De Prins, W. (2017). "Achyra massalis sensu auct. nec (Walker, 1859)". Afromoths. Retrieved November 23, 2017.


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