Mimallo moth

Life cycle of Mimallo amilia. Mimallonidae.

One of my most beloved moths, and the prettiest that occurs in Brazil.

- The female individually oviposits an egg on the border of each leaf. The egg is white and is reminiscent of a grain of rice. When the larva emerges it begins accumulating feces to fix the cocoon which is built on the edge of the leaf. It's easy to find Mimallo by unveiling wilted leaves attached sideways with green leaves. The cocoon is very resistant, tenable and made of silk and feces. The larva spends its whole life in its particular world; inside the cocoon. They only leave to feed or to make a larger shelter. When the larva pupates, it blocks the entrance to the cocoon. As defense, the larva uses defensive regurgitation as its primary response. Their host plants are members of Psidium.