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Wasp parasitizer moth

Chalcoela pegasalis

A species of Chalcoela

Chalcoela pegasalis, the wasp parasitizer moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is found in Cuba, Jamaica, the French Antilles, Puerto Rico and from southern Ontario and Maryland to Florida, east to Texas and north to Illinois. The wingspan is 14–18 mm. The forewings are brown in the basal and terminal areas, but speckled with grey in the median area. Both the antemedial and postmedial lines are white. The hindwings are speckled grey with two blackish patches in the lower median area. Adults are on wing from May to September. The larvae are parasitoids of the larvae of Polistes species.

General Info About Wasp parasitizer moth
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Attributes of Wasp parasitizer moth
Colors
Brown
Silver
White
Habitat
home; anywhere in the vicinity of Polistes wasp nest; come to light
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Wasp larvae, wasp pupae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Wasp parasitizer moth
Non-invasive in North America
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Distribution Area of Wasp parasitizer moth
Canada, United States
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Life Cycle of Wasp parasitizer moth
Egg The wasp parasitizer moth begins as an egg, which is often spherical or oval and tiny. The color can vary but usually blends with the environment for camouflage. At this stage, wasp parasitizer moth is immobile and developing inside the egg shell.
Larva Larval wasp parasitizer moth emerges from the egg, characterized by a worm-like appearance with a soft body. As a caterpillar, it grows in size and may change colors as it sheds its skin multiple times.
Pupal In the pupal stage, wasp parasitizer moth encases itself in a chrysalis, undergoing significant transformation. Inside, the tissues and organs reorganize, transitioning from a larva to an adult form, often with different colors and shape.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult wasp parasitizer moth boasts vibrant wings and developed reproductive organs. The body is fully formed, solidified, and the wasp parasitizer moth is now capable of flight, prioritizing mating and laying eggs.
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Predators of Wasp parasitizer moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, ants, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Wasp parasitizer moth
Tips for Finding Wasp parasitizer moth
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Youth Habitat of Wasp parasitizer moth
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Wasp parasitizer moth
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Wasp parasitizer moth
Adult wasp parasitizer moth may be attracted to light sources or baited traps using pheromones or fermenting sweet substances as they are primarily nocturnal.
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Habitat Preferences of Wasp parasitizer moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of wasp parasitizer moth are typically laid on or near the host plants, so searching for them may involve inspecting the leaves and stems of these preferred plants. Caterpillars, during their larval stage, are found on or nearby their food sources, meaning a search would focus on host plants where they feed and potentially underneath them, as some larvae drop off to pupate or hide. To find the pupae, investigating under loose bark, leaf litter, or soil close to the host plants might be fruitful, since many caterpillars of this family create cocoons in concealed places. Adult wasp parasitizer moth are nocturnal and attracted to light; thus, they can often be found near light sources after dusk.
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How and Where Can You Find Wasp parasitizer moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of wasp parasitizer moth are laid on host plants and are tiny. Look for them on the underside of leaves, near the veins or in sheltered areas of the host plant.
Larva Wasp parasitizer moth larvae can be found on or near their host plants. Search for signs of feeding damage on leaves and then inspect both sides of leaves for the presence of caterpillars.
Pupal Pupae of wasp parasitizer moth might be attached to plants or debris close to the ground. Search around the base of host plants and leaf litter for cocoon or pupae cases.
Adult Adult wasp parasitizer moth can be found resting during the day on the surfaces of leaves or bark where they blend in. At night, they may be attracted to lights or sweet bait set up in their habitat.
Are Wasp parasitizer moth harmful?
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