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Calicotis crucifera
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Stathmopodidae
Genus:	Calicotis
Species:	C. crucifera
Binomial name
Calicotis crucifera Meyrick, 1889

Calicotis crucifera, the leather-leaf spore-eater, is a moth of the Stathmopodidae family. It is found in New Zealand and Australia.

Description

The mature larva of C. crucifera are approximately 6mm long and are a white colour, plump with a pale brown head. The wings of the adult are grey with dark specks.

Behaviour

The larvae of this species can be observed on the underneath of the fronds of its host species. The larva builds silk tubes disguised with fern spore dust and white frond hair. They feed on the fern spores. Larvae can be seen most months of the year. The adult is on the wing from January to May.

Host plant

The larvae feed on the spores of the fern, Pyrrosia eleagnifolia.

References

1. ^ Andrew Crowe (2004). Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns: Featuring the unique caterpillars which feed on them. p. 5. ISBN 0-14-301924-4. Wikidata Q115211440.
2. Factsheet: Leather-leaf spore-eater

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• Moths described in 1889
• Stathmopodidae
• Moths of New Zealand
• Taxa named by Edward Meyrick
• Moths of Australia
• Stathmopodidae stubs