Epicephala perplexa

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Epicephala perplexa
File:Epicephala perplexa.JPG
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Gracillariidae
Genus: Epicephala
Species:
E. perplexa
Binomial name
Epicephala perplexa
Kawakita A, Kato M, 2016

Epicephala perplexa is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It is found on the Ryukyu Archipelago (Amami Island, Okinawa Island, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island and Yonaguni Island).

File:Epicephala perplexa living.JPG
ovipositing through lateral ovary wall of G. lanceolatum flower

The wingspan is 8.3–10 mm. The forewings are brown with a narrow white band on the dorsum from the base to 2/3 of the entire length and with three narrow white bands beginning at the dorsal margin near 1/2 to 3/4 length of the wing and extending obliquely toward the wing apex, terminating before reaching mid-width of the wing. Dull white spots are scattered on the costal half and there is a narrow silver band with metallic reflection extending from the costa to the dorsum at 5/6 length. The distal 1/6 is orange-brown with a black dot centrally, franked by a short white band near the dorsum. The distal end is fringed with a narrow white band. The hindwings are brown. The larvae feed on the seeds of Glochidion lanceolatum.

Etymology

The species name refers to the fact that this species remained hidden until a detailed study on species specificity was performed and is derived from Latin perplexus (meaning cryptic).[1]

References