Psychomorpha facts for kids
The grapevine epimenis (scientific name: Psychomorpha epimenis) is a type of moth found in eastern North America. It's the only species in its group, called Psychomorpha. This moth was first described by Dru Drury in 1782.
Quick facts for kids Grapevine epimenis |
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| Psychomorpha epimenis | |
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Psychomorpha
Harris, 1839
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P. epimenis
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| Psychomorpha epimenis (Drury, 1782)
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Contents
What the Grapevine Epimenis Looks Like
The grapevine epimenis moth has black wings and a black body. Its front wings have a large white patch. The back wings have a bright red patch. These moths are fairly small. Their wingspan is usually between 2.2 and 2.7 centimeters.
Different Types of Grapevine Epimenis Moths
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the grapevine epimenis moth:
- Psychomorpha epimenis epimenis
- Psychomorpha epimenis euryrhoda (found in Florida) - This type has a red patch on its back wings that reaches almost to the base of the wing.
Where the Grapevine Epimenis Lives
You can find the grapevine epimenis moth in different places. They like to live in woodlands, which are areas with many trees. They also live along the edges of woodlands and in hedgerows. Hedgerows are lines of bushes or small trees.
When the Grapevine Epimenis Flies
The grapevine epimenis is a spring moth. This means you can see them flying during the spring season. They are usually active from March to early May.
Life Cycle of the Grapevine Epimenis
The young form of the moth is called a larva, or caterpillar. It is black with white stripes across its body. Its head, part of its chest area, and the end of its body are reddish-orange. The caterpillar also has reddish-orange prolegs, which are like extra legs.
The caterpillar builds a special shelter from new leaves. It pulls the edges of a leaf upwards. Then, it ties them together using silk. This creates a safe place for the caterpillar.
Later, the caterpillar turns into a pupa. The pupa spends the winter, or hibernates, inside wood or thick soil. The grapevine epimenis moth has one group of offspring each year.
Plants the Grapevine Epimenis Eats
The caterpillars of the grapevine epimenis moth eat certain plants. These plants are called host plants. They include different types of grapevines:
- Summer grapevine (Vitis aestivalis)
- Fox grapevine (Vitis labrusca)
- Riverbank grapevine (Vitis riparia)
- Frost grapevine (Vitis vulpina)
See also
In Spanish: Psychomorpha para niños
