Hypocala deflorata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hypocala deflorata |
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Hypocala deflorata is a type of moth from the Erebidae family. It was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. This moth is found in many places around the world. You can find it from India and Sri Lanka all the way to Africa. It also lives in Australia and many Pacific islands. Some of the places where it has been seen include China, Borneo, Queensland, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Rotuma, Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii, Norfolk Island, and New Zealand.
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Life Cycle of the Hypocala deflorata Moth
The Hypocala deflorata moth goes through different stages in its life. These stages include the larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult moth.
The Larva Stage
When fully grown, the larva of this moth is about 45 mm long. That's about the length of a small paperclip! Larvae can look different. Some are green, while others are black. There is also a mixed form. This form has a mostly black head. It also has many blackish spots on its back.
The Pupa Stage
The pupa is the stage after the larva. It is about 22 mm long. This is a bit shorter than the larva. The pupa is a medium dark brown color. The larva changes into a pupa in a special cell. This cell is usually found in the soil. Sometimes, it is made under leaves or other plant bits on the ground. The pupa's cell has a few silk fibers to hold it together. The pupa stage lasts for about 13 to 17 days.
The Adult Moth
The adult Hypocala deflorata moth has a pale purplish-grey head, body, and front wings. Its hindwings are very striking. They have a large orange area. The black area around the edge of the hindwings is small. The two orange spots on the hindwings are joined together. On the underside of the moth, the black color on the front wings is reduced to two bars. The black on the hindwings is also much smaller.
What Hypocala deflorata Larvae Eat
The larvae of the Hypocala deflorata moth are plant eaters. They feed on several types of plants. These include species like Diospyros pallens, Diospyros villosa, Diospyros dichrophylla, and Diospyros lycioides. They also enjoy eating Maba sandwicensis, Royena, and Sapota plants.
Types of Hypocala deflorata
There are different types, or subspecies, of Hypocala deflorata. These are:
- Hypocala deflorata deflorata
- Hypocala deflorata australiae (found in Queensland, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Rotuma, Fiji, Samoa, Norfolk Island, and New Zealand)
See also
In Spanish: Hypocala deflorata para niños
