Lymire edwardsii

Grote, 1881

Edwards' Wasp Moth, rubber tree caterpillar

Lymire edwardsii is a in the Erebidae ( Arctiinae) described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. The is known for its caterpillars, which feed on Ficus species and frequently cause extensive injury to these trees, earning the 'rubber tree caterpillar.' have a wingspan of 35–40 mm with bluish-gray wings and are active year-round in southern Florida.

Lymire edwardsii by no rights reserved, uploaded by Marissa Balfour. Used under a CC0 license.Lymire edwardsii larva by Luiz Puodzius. Used under a CC0 license.Lymire edwardsii2 by Luiz Puodzius. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lymire edwardsii: /laɪˈmaɪər ɛdˈwɔrdzi.aɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

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Appearance

have a wingspan of 35–40 mm. Wings are bluish-gray in color. Full-grown larvae are pale yellow with four white stripes and a reddish/orange and white .

Distribution

Southern Florida, United States; Caribbean region

Seasonality

are on wing year-round

Diet

Larvae feed on Ficus , including Ficus pedunculata, Ficus altissima, Ficus aurea, Ficus auriculata, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus benjamina, Ficus continifolia, Ficus elastica, Ficus lyrata, Ficus retusa, and Ficus rubiginosa. Larvae feed on leaf margins or create holes in leaves.

Host Associations

  • Ficus pedunculata - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus altissima - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus aurea - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus auriculata - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus benghalensis - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus benjamina - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus continifolia - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus elastica - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves; historically called 'rubber tree caterpillar' for damage to rubber trees
  • Ficus lyrata - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus retusa - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves
  • Ficus rubiginosa - larval food plantleaf margins or holes in leaves

Life Cycle

takes place on various non- plants. Larval development occurs on Ficus .

Ecological Role

Larvae are herbivores that can cause extensive injury to Ficus trees, potentially acting as a pest in areas where Ficus is cultivated or ornamental.

Human Relevance

Considered a pest of Ficus trees, including ornamental figs and rubber trees (Ficus elastica). Genung (1959) published a comprehensive study on the 's and control in the Lake Worth, Florida area.

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Sources and further reading