Elophila occidentalis

Elophila occidentalis is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by William Harry Lange in 1956.[1] It is found in the United States, where it has been recorded from California, Arizona and Nebraska.

Elophila occidentalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Crambidae
Genus:
Elophila
Species:
E. occidentalis
Binomial name
Elophila occidentalis
(Lange, 1956)
Synonyms
  • Synclita occidentalis Lange, 1956

The wingspan is 11–15 mm for males and 15–22 mm for females. The forewings are fuscous with rufous-and-white markings. The hindwings are fuscous with a reddish area at the base. Adults have been recorded on wing from June to September[2] in two to three generations per year.

The larvae feed on Echinodorus cordifolius, Bacopa rotundifolia, Potamogeton gramineus, Sigittaria species, Typha californica and Jussiaea californica. Young larvae cut a small peace of a leaf of their host plant and shelter beneath this while feeding on the leaf. Older larvae create a case. Young larvae are white, but turn pale green when growing older. Full-grown larvae reach a length of about 16 mm. Pupation takes place in a silken cocoon made inside the case.[3]

References
  1. Nuss, M.; et al. (2003–2014). "GlobIZ search". Global Information System on Pyraloidea. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  2. "800731.00 – 4757 – Elophila occidentalis – (Lange, 1956)". North American Moth Photographers Group. Mississippi State University. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
  3. Aquatic Insects of California: With Keys to North American Genera and California Species


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