Brenthia coronigera

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Brenthia coronigera
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Choreutidae
Genus: Brenthia
Species:
B. coronigera
Binomial name
Brenthia coronigera
Meyrick, 1918

Brenthia coronigera, commonly known as the metalmark moth,[1] is a species of moth of the family Choreutidae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1918. It is found in the Bengal region of what was British India.[2]

The adult moth is a mimic of predatory jumping spiders; the moth's forewings are held aloft and have bold black spots, which resemble spider eyes, while its hindwings, which are held in a twisted position and are marked with stripes, resemble spider legs. The moth also moves in a jumpy, jerky fashion, like a jumping spider, rather than fluttering like other moths. Its mimicry is so convincing that spiders respond by trying to court the moth, rather than attacking it.[1]

The larvae feed on Cordia obliqua and Cordia myxa.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Sekar, Sandhya (26 April 2017). "Moth's disguise is so good, spiders love it instead of eating it". New Scientist. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  2. ^ "choreutidae.lifedesks.org". Archived from the original on 2012-08-12. Retrieved 2012-11-05.
  3. ^ HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants