Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Planthopper Parasite Moth

Planthopper Parasite Moth

Fulgoraecia exigua

A species of Fulgoraecia

Planthopper Parasite Moth is a small and innocuous North American moth most easily observed in summer and early fall, the adult’s flying season. It is most notable because its larval form is parasitic, clinging on to the body of planthopper insects and draining their fluids. The planthoppers unwittingly pick up its eggs when they feed.

General Info About Planthopper Parasite Moth
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Planthopper Parasite Moth
Colors
Black
Gray
Habitat
field
Larva Food Source
Hemipteran hosts (e.g., planthoppers)
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
Vestigial
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Planthopper Parasite Moth
Egg The egg stage reveals small, often spherical capsules harboring the developing planthopper Parasite Moth. Color and size vary, but they generally blend with the environment for protection.
Larva During the larval stage, the planthopper Parasite Moth consumes voraciously, growing rapidly. Its worm-like appearance, with distinct segments, lacks the adult morphology. Color and size change with molts.
Pupal In the pupal stage, the planthopper Parasite Moth undergoes a remarkable transformation within a cocoon-like structure. It is immobile, and the body reorganizes internally into adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult planthopper Parasite Moth’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.
Rectangle
Predators of Planthopper Parasite Moth Larvae
Ants, wasps, spiders
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Planthopper Parasite Moth
Bats, birds, spiders
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Planthopper Parasite Moth
Planthopper Parasite Moth larvae are parasitic, uniquely targeting planthopper insects as their hosts for development.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Planthopper Parasite Moth
Tips for Finding Planthopper Parasite Moth
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Planthopper Parasite Moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of planthopper Parasite Moth are usually laid on the underside of leaves inhabited by planthoppers, upon which the emerging larvae promptly parasitize. Caterpillars remain attached to their hosts, often found on stems and leaves of sugarcane or grasses, where planthoppers are present. Pupation typically occurs in a cocoon amongst leaf litter on the ground. To find these stages, examine planthopper-populated foliage for eggs or larvae and search the ground debris in such areas for pupae. Adults are nocturnal and found near lights or on host plants; hence, one could search for them at night using a light trap or by inspecting plants hosting planthoppers during dusk.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Planthopper Parasite Moth
For adult planthopper Parasite Moth, the best time to find them would be at night as many Lepidoptera are nocturnal. The larvae should be sought after when their host species are active and most available.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Planthopper Parasite Moth
Warm, humid nights with minimal wind and clear skies would provide the best conditions for spotting the adult planthopper Parasite Moth, as these conditions are favorable for flight activity in Lepidoptera.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Planthopper Parasite Moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Planthopper Parasite Moth eggs are often laid in locations where the hatching larvae can immediately parasitize a host, i.e., on or near plants frequented by planthoppers. Look closely at the underside of leaves or stems for tiny, often oval-shaped eggs.
Larva Planthopper Parasite Moth larvae are parasitic and will be found on their host planthoppers. Field sampling of planthoppers and inspecting them for any attached planthopper Parasite Moth larvae with a magnifying glass or microscope is necessary.
Pupal Planthopper Parasite Moth pupae may be found in a secluded location near the ground or attached to foliage after the parasitic larval stage. Searching the leaf litter or the base of plants could reveal the pupae.
Adult Adult planthopper Parasite Moth are nocturnal and are attracted to light. Using a light trap at night or simply observing around outdoor lights can be an effective way to spot the adult planthopper Parasite Moth. They are also likely to be found in areas populated by their larval host planthoppers during the twilight hours.
Are Planthopper Parasite Moth harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Planthopper Parasite Moth
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Hurt Plant

Planthopper Parasite Moth larvae feed on various plants, draining fluids from flowers and fruits. This infestation can range from mild to severe, often leading to stunted growth, reduced yield, and diminished plant vigor.

More Effects of Planthopper Parasite Moth

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow