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 , 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 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.

Images

Appearance

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

Distribution

Southern Florida, United States; Caribbean region

Seasonality

are on year-round

Diet

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

Life Cycle

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

Ecological Role

are that can cause extensive injury to Ficus trees, potentially acting as a 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 biology and control in the Lake Worth, Florida area.

Tags

Sources and further reading