Lobesia neptunia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lobesia neptunia |
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Lobesia
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L. neptunia
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| Lobesia neptunia (Walsingham, 1907)
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Lobesia neptunia is a tiny moth that belongs to the family Tortricidae. These moths are often called "leaf-roller moths." You can find Lobesia neptunia living on the beautiful Canary Islands and Madeira, which are islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
About the Lobesia neptunia Moth
This moth is quite small. It has a wingspan of about 9 to 12 millimeters. The wingspan is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other when the wings are spread out. That's about the size of a small fingernail!
What the Moth Looks Like
The front wings of Lobesia neptunia can be different shades. They might be a yellowish-brown (ochreous), a brownish-yellow, or a reddish-brown color. The back wings are usually a pale brownish-grey. These colors help the moth blend in with its surroundings.
The Life of the Larvae
The young moths, called larvae (or caterpillars), have a special way of eating. They feed on two types of plants: Frankenia ericifolia and Limonium pectinatum.
When they are young, the larvae are "leaf miners." This means they dig tiny tunnels inside the leaves of their host plants. They eat the soft parts of the leaf from the inside, leaving behind a clear path. As they grow older, the larvae move out of the leaf tunnels. They then live among leaves that they have spun together with silk. This helps to protect them while they continue to feed and grow.
See also
In Spanish: Lobesia neptunia para niños
