Parapoynx seminealis

The species can be distinguished from other Parapoynx species by its association with floating-heart plants (Nymphoides) and its specific geographic distribution in eastern North America. The small wingspan and aquatic habitat preference are useful field characters.

Small moth with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm.

Aquatic environments supporting floating-heart plants (Nymphoides species). Larvae are associated with the aquatic leaves of their host plants.

Eastern North America: recorded from Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Adults have been recorded on wing year-round in the southern part of the range.

Larvae feed on leaves of Nymphoides aquatica and probably Nymphoides cordata or Nymphoides peltata.

• Nymphoides aquatica - larval food plantlarvae feed on leaves
• Nymphoides cordata - probable larval food plantprobable host based on genus association
• Nymphoides peltata - probable larval food plantprobable host based on genus association

Larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged or floating leaves of host plants. Adult flight period extends year-round in southern portions of range, suggesting overlapping generations or continuous development in favorable conditions.

Adults are active throughout the year in warmer regions. Larvae are aquatic and feed on living plant tissue.

Herbivore on aquatic plants in the genus Nymphoides. Role in aquatic food webs not well documented.

No significant documented economic or cultural importance. Occasionally observed by naturalists and moth enthusiasts.

• Other Parapoynx speciesSimilar morphology; distinguished by host plant specificity and geographic distribution

• aquatic
• herbivore
• North America

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