Fruit Piercing Moth (Eudocima phalonia)
The fruit piercing moth is a member of the family of Erebidae moths, known for being a pest of fruits in its larval, and adult form. They originated in the tropics, particularly in the continents of Africa, Australia, and Asia but have since migrated to other parts of the world.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Eudocima
- Scientific Name: Eudocima phalonia
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae are purplish-brown, with red legs, scarlet spiracles, and white patches on their bodies.
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Pupa
Once mature, the larvae begin to pupate.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present. Females have more varied and dark reddish-brown wings.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are reddish-brown, with a greenish tinge and dark specks replicating a leaf. When the wings are closed, the colors are observable.
Hindwing: When the wings are opened, they are yellow or orange with a black band and two black spots on each side. When the wings are closed, the orange part remains visible.
Average wingspan: 9-11 cm in females; 8-9.4 cm in males
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: Year-round
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Egg
Eggs are found close to the preferred host plant.
Quick Facts
| Other Names | Common fruit-piercing moth, Pacific fruit piercing moth |
| Distribution | Native: Africa, Asia, and Australia Invasive: Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Society Islands |
| Habitat | Orchards |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Host Plants | Vines of plants like cockspur coral tree, purple coral tree, snake vine, tiger coral tree, etc |
| Adult Diet | Nectar from various fruits. |
Did You Know
- Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus first described this species in 1763.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Eudocima
- Scientific Name: Eudocima phalonia
