Gonodonta nutrix

The species can be distinguished from similar Gonodonta species by its documented association with Annona host plants and its geographic distribution. Accurate identification requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis, as visual separation from congeners is challenging.

Adults have a wingspan of 36–40 mm. The moth exhibits typical Calpinae morphology with a compact body and patterned wings. Specific coloration and wing pattern details are not well documented in available sources.

Found in tropical and subtropical regions where host plants of the genus Annona occur. Habitats include coastal areas, forests, and agricultural settings where Annona species are cultivated or grow wild.

Recorded from Saint Lucia, Cuba, Jamaica, Florida (USA), and from Mexico to Paraguay. The species is present in both Caribbean islands and mainland Central and South America.

Larvae feed on Annona species, specifically including Annona glabra. Adult feeding habits are not documented.

• Annona glabra - larval food plantSpecific host plant confirmed in literature
• Annona - larval food plantGenus-level host association

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Specific details on development duration, number of generations per year, and overwintering strategy are not documented.

Adults are nocturnal. The common name "fruitpiercer" suggests adult feeding behavior involving piercing fruit to access juices, though this specific behavior is not explicitly documented for this species in available sources.

Larvae function as herbivores on Annona species. The species may act as a pest in agricultural settings where Annona crops are grown.

The common name "citrus fruitpiercer" suggests potential economic impact on fruit crops, though the documented larval hosts are Annona species rather than Citrus. The species may be a minor pest in Annona cultivation.

• Other Gonodonta speciesCongeners share similar morphology and Calpinae characteristics; identification requires detailed examination

The common name "citrus fruitpiercer" is potentially misleading, as the documented larval hosts are Annona species (custard apples, pond apples), not Citrus. The name may reflect adult feeding behavior or historical misidentification of hosts.

• fruitpiercer
• Annona
• tropical moth
• Caribbean fauna
• agricultural pest

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life