Coral Tree Pyralid Moth (Crambidae Pyraustinae Agathodes ostentalis - Geyer, 1837)

Found as a caterpillar on the underside of a Coral Tree (Pap. Erythrina speciosa) leaf at Braemar Hill Road in North Point the end of November, 1998.

Pyralid caterpillar
The young caterpillar at rest
Note the silk tie strands which rolls up or folds the leaf over, protecting the larva.
However, its presence is revealed by damage to the leaf.

The mature caterpillar was about 22 mm / 0.8 inch long.


About two days before forming a pupa,
the top of the caterpillar turns dark pink.
Pupa, bottom & side views
View of the pupa case seen through the cocoon.
It took 17 days for the moth to emerge.

The moth in rest position
Top and Underside views of moth
Wingspan is about 25 mm / 1 inch

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This page last updated 13-Apr-1998.