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Ailanthus defoliator

Ailanthus defoliator

Eligma narcissus

A species of Eligma

Adorned with a color palette that enables it to blend into tree bark, ailanthus defoliator displays a remarkable expertise in camouflage. As a caterpillar, it possesses a ravenous appetite for the leaves of various trees; however, upon metamorphosis into its winged form, its diet shifts drastically as it stops feeding altogether, relying on fat reserves accumulated during its larval stage to sustain its ephemeral adult life.

General Info About Ailanthus defoliator
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Attributes of Ailanthus defoliator
Colors
Brown
White
Habitat
tree of heaven (Ailanthus)
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, tree sap
Larva Food Source
Leaves of terminalia catappa (tropical almond)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Ailanthus defoliator is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Ailanthus defoliator
It is found in tropical Asia and the subtropics of China, India, Sri Lanka, Java and Southeast Islands.
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Distribution Area of Ailanthus defoliator
Tropical Asia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Java, Southeast Islands
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Life Cycle of Ailanthus defoliator
Egg The egg stage consists of rounded or oval-shaped eggs. They are often laid on a host plant, and the embryonic ailanthus defoliator inside develops over time. The egg's color may vary.
Larva In this stage, the ailanthus defoliator is a caterpillar, focused on feeding and growth. It's elongated with distinct segments and a chewing mouthpart. The larva molts multiple times, increasing in size each time.
Pupal During this phase, the ailanthus defoliator forms a pupa and undergoes significant internal transformation. The pupal case can be camouflaged or attached to foliage, serving as a protective cocoon.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult ailanthus defoliator’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Ailanthus defoliator
5 - 9 cm
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Predators of Ailanthus defoliator Larvae
Birds, rodents, insectivorous mammals, larger insects, arachnids
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Predators of Adult Ailanthus defoliator
Bats, birds, praying mantises, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Ailanthus defoliator
Tips for Finding Ailanthus defoliator
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Youth Habitat of Ailanthus defoliator
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Ailanthus defoliator
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Ailanthus defoliator
Since ailanthus defoliator is a moth, a light trap or fermented fruit bait can be used to attract adult members of the species during nighttime when they are most active.
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Habitat Preferences of Ailanthus defoliator Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of ailanthus defoliator are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves in subtropical forested regions. For the larval stage, look among plant foliage, where caterpillars feed and grow, blending in with leaves or bark. The pupae often disguise in a cocoon attached to a branch or nestled in leaf litter on the ground in the same habitats, making them difficult to spot. Adult ailanthus defoliator are nocturnal and rest during the day in sheltered areas like tree trunks or under leaves, coming out at night to feed on nectar. To find adults, one should explore flowering plants at dusk when these moths become active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Ailanthus defoliator
The best time to find ailanthus defoliator would be at night for adults, as they are nocturnal. For larvae, daytime observations in the right habitat may yield better results.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Ailanthus defoliator
Adult ailanthus defoliator are likely to be found in calm, warm weather conditions when there is less wind and rain. The larvae might be present regardless of weather, but easier to find during dry periods when they are actively feeding.
Are Ailanthus defoliator harmful?
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