Exelastis pumilio
(Zeller, 1873)
Dwarf Plume Moth
A small with a wingspan of 12–15 mm, found throughout tropical regions worldwide. are recorded on wing in March, April, and June. The Hepalastis is treated as a synonym of Exelastis.
Identification
Distinguished from other plume moths by its small size (12–15 mm wingspan) and tropical distribution. The Hepalastis is often synonymized with Exelastis, creating potential taxonomic confusion in older literature. Specific diagnostic features separating it from are not documented.
Images
Appearance
Wingspan 12–15 mm. As a ( Pterophoridae), wings are characteristically divided into lobes with fringed margins. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Tropical environments. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.
Distribution
Worldwide tropical distribution including: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Japan, Micronesia, South Africa, Virgin Islands, Queensland (Australia), and New Guinea.
Seasonality
recorded on wing in March, April, and June. Complete is not documented.
Diet
Larvae have been recorded feeding on Desmodium incanum, Alysicarpus vaginalis, Oxalis , Boerhaavia repens (India, Sri Lanka), Boerhaavia diffusa (Hawaii), and Boerhaavia species (Guam).
Host Associations
- Desmodium incanum - larval foodplant
- Alysicarpus vaginalis - larval foodplant
- Oxalis sp. - larval foodplant
- Boerhaavia repens - larval foodplantIndia and Sri Lanka
- Boerhaavia diffusa - larval foodplantHawaii
- Boerhaavia sp. - larval foodplantGuam
Life Cycle
Larval stage documented feeding on specified plants. and other developmental stages are not described in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Hepalastis pumilioTreated as a synonym; same under different generic classification
More Details
Taxonomic synonymy
The Hepalastis is often treated as a synonym of Exelastis, causing this to appear in literature under both generic names.