#carnivorous moths

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Planthopper Parasite Moths: the caterpillars of this family attach themselves to the bodies of planthoppers and then gradually suck the fluids from the host's abdomen; this is one of the few known examples of predatory and/or carnivorous behavior in caterpillars

Moths of the family Epipyropidae are often referred to as planthopper parasite moths, because their larvae are ectoparasites that typically feed on the hemolymph (i.e. "blood") of planthoppers and cicadas. The family contains at least 40 described species, all of which are parasitic or parasitoid.

Predatory and/or carnivorous behavior is rarely seen in caterpillars (or in adult lepidopterans, for that matter) and this family contains some of the few known examples.

Above: Fulgoraecia exigua caterpillar feeding on a planthopper

The caterpillars have hooked claws that allow them to cling to the host's body, and their mandibles are used to penetrate the cuticle that surrounds the abdomen; the caterpillar then inserts a proboscis-like structure into the planthopper's body and feeds on the fluids within. Planthopper parasite caterpillars generally spend 4-6 weeks feeding on their host, often tucked up under the wings.

Above: Fulgoraecia exigua

Early instar nymphs that are preyed upon by these caterpillars rarely survive the process, and the survival rate for more fully-developed nymphs and adult hemipterans is also quite low.

Above: a caterpillar of the species Epipomponia nawai is shown feeding on a cicada (top) and another caterpillar of the species Fulgoraecia exigua is shown feeding on a leafhopper (bottom)

The caterpillars can measure up to 7mm long, which is about half the length of a fingernail, and their bodies are covered in waxy white filaments that make them look like tiny cottonballs. Those features seem to mimic the "fluffy" appearance of many fulgoroid planthopper nymphs, making it easier for the caterpillar to sneak up on its host.

Above: planthopper parasite caterpillars are tiny, often measuring just 3-7mm long

When the caterpillar is ready to pupate, it detaches from its host and then uses a thin strand of silk to abseil down to a leaf or a branch, where it spins a cocoon around its body and enters pupation.

Above: cocoons of Fulgoraecia exigua

Planthopper parasite moths have very distinctive cocoons, with delicate layers of silk that are folded together to form ridges and spikes across the top of the pupal case. Some cocoons have wider, flatter folds of silk that look almost like rose petals.

Above: cocoon made by an unidentified moth from family Epipyropidae

Sources & More Info:

Maryland Biodiversity Project: Planthopper Parasite Moth

Moths of North Carolina: Fulgoraecia exigua

Bug Guide: Family Epipyropidae

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control: Biological Anomalies in the Sugarcane Leafhopper Pyrilla perpusilla Due to Parasitism by Fulgoraecia melanoleuca

Journal of the Lepidopterist's Society: Predatory and Parasitic Lepidoptera

The Lepidoptera: Form, Function, and Diversity: Epipyropidae

Bombay Natural History Society: On the Biology and Morphology of Epipyrops eurybrachydis

Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology: Behavioural and Phylogeographic Observations on Epipomponia nawai

Species Connect: Carnivorous Butterflies and Moths

[the-barefoot-hatter]

he's fine, that was just a spicy treat for him

(I am pretty sure ALL toddlers would eat a bug Ford, don't take it too hard. one day he'll like moth collecting less culinarily!)

[luna-kipp-themothauthor]

It's happening guys.

The poll is complete with an overwhelming YES majority of votes on the topic.

The (consentual) sex pollen trope spicy scene has officially made it into the novel. Theo is 100% going to fuck (and be fucked) by the carnivorous plant monster.

I swear this is gonna be the tipping point where readers are either going to love the underutilized monster type in fantasy and be hooked, or they will be so shocked and scandalized that they drop the novel altogether.

BECAUSE I DIDN'T HOLD BACK.

AT ALL!

If you are not stunned, jaw dropped in scandalized anticipation in the chapter leading up to the scene, then I have utterly failed you all.

[squidaped-oyt]

Utricularia graminifolia running absolutely hogwild

[ethereal-forest-furry]

hi i went outside again that shit is WILD

sundews are making flower stalks!!!!!! (theyre the little curly guys)

found this little baby crawling on my ankle does anyone know what species it is??? its my best friend btw

ailanthus webworm moth!!!!! gorgeous little critters whose caterpillars only eat the ailanthus tree. which is such a lovely thing for them to do bc ailanthus is an awful nasty invasive species here. everyone say thank you ailanthus webworm moth

you already know who it is. shes legendary

SNAIL IN A FLOWER SNAIL IN A FLOWER SNAIL IN A FLOWER (@bunnyboyzyon this is so important you need to see this right now)

[porcelaintoybox23]

Why I am getting my shit kicked by a cottagecore yuri rpg?

[snekdood]

i both love and hate that i keep finding different moths in my house. why are they here? i dont want them to get caught on the sticky traps i put out for the flies. but also, very fun to see so many different varieties and knowing my garden probably plays a role somehow.

[bonefall]

last time i checked, there wasn't a word for moth in clanmew? i found bug and insect, but i was surprised because of mothwing and moth flight

Oh man I'm going to eventually make a TON of individual words for these, but, I am intentionally dancing around many of the insect questions for now.

I get a lot of bug asks because bugs rock, so I want to take the time to do research and queue up some big expansions for the next Clanmew Day. For moths there's SOOOO many cool species that need a dedicated word.

LOOK AT THIS

This is called a shark moth... she has anime hair. Appreciate her.

[miesozernacma]

LITTER BOX? I DID NOT DO THAT !!!!

[explorermoo]

Moth Planet

Final key art for Moth Planet, the game me and some friends have been working on for the past year and a half! It's going to be my first game ever released and I'm very proud of it. Wishlisting it helps a bunch! It'll be released on steam and itch later this month!

Posted using PostyBirb

[fluffyfairyzz]

i tried some of that candy shit that looks like blood in a bag my carnivorous kintypes are screaming and i think im having a sugar rush /pos /silly

[martinmynster]

i realize now i haven't updated you in a while so here's what i'm finishing to work on

[hedonicbunnii]

bunny but in a cryptic way i have a canine snout if u stare too long

[king-carnivore]

TIL there's such a thing as Eudryas grata, or the beautiful wood nymph, and it's known for looking like bird shit

[doun-katsu]

Just asked my cousin what kind of bug I would be.

No hesitation said "A Hawaiian carnivorous caterpillar"

I'm one of these things now

[faunagender]

[ID: A flag with 4 horizontal stripes. The stripes from top to bottom are pale grey, grey, pastel red, muted dark brown.]

crittergender- a gender related to creepy or feral creatures that scuttle around during nighttime, such as raccoons, possums, and moths.