Cucumber Moth
Diaphania indica
14.33, 121.09
Field Notes
Description:
Diaphania indica (Saunders, 1851), called the Cucumber Moth or Cotton Caterpillar, of grass moth family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. Native to southern Asia, this moth occurs in many tropical and subtropical regions outside the Americas. It is occasionally a significant pest of cucurbits and some other plants. (Wikipedia)
The adult Cucumber Moth has white translucent wings with broad dark brown borders. There is a tuft of brown hairs on the tip of the abdomen. The tuft on the end of the abdomen of the female is bushier than that of the male. Its wingspan is 3cm. (OzAnimals.com)
Habitat:
Backyard, spotted on the ceiling of the garage.
Notes:
A similar-looking Melonworm Moth, Diaphania hyalinata Linnaeus, 1767, occurs in the Americas - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphania_hyalinata
Other Reference:
http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=7283
http://www.geocities.ws/pyralidaetw/R60-285.html
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