Hodges#4896
Chalcoela pegasalis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Pyraloidea
- Family: Crambidae
- Subfamily: Glaphyriinae
- Genus: Chalcoela
- Species: pegasalis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chalcoela pegasalis: //ˌkælkəʊˈiːlə ˌpɛɡəˈseɪlɪs//
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Summary
Chalcoela pegasalis, known as the wasp parasitizer moth, is a moth in the Crambidae family, described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is primarily found in the Caribbean and ranges into parts of the United States and Canada. The adult moths are nocturnal and often come to light. The larvae are known to parasitize the larvae of Polistes wasps.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan 14-18 mm. Forewing brown in basal and terminal areas, densely speckled with gray in median area; AM and PM lines white, thick. AM line is either smoothly rounded or slightly wavy. PM line has large V-shaped lobe projecting toward the outer margin. There is a small but distinct white strip at the apex. Hindwing mostly speckled gray with two diffuse blackish patches in lower median area, and the central portion of the fringe is checkered with metallic blackish and pale scales, bordered proximally by a thick white strip.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinct white markings on the forewings and the overall size of the moth, which ranges from 14 to 18 mm in wingspan. The PM line's V-shaped lobe and the checkered fringe on the hindwing are also good identification points.
Habitat
May be found around or sometimes in homes, often in the vicinity of Polistes wasp nests.
Distribution
Found in southern Ontario and Maryland to Florida, east to Texas, and north to Illinois. Also occurs in Jamaica, the French Antilles, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and possibly elsewhere in the West Indies.
Diet
The larvae are parasitoids, feeding on the larvae of Polistes wasps.
Life Cycle
Adults are on wing from May to September. The larvae develop by feeding on Polistes wasp larvae.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a parasitoid, helping control the population of Polistes wasps by feeding on their larvae.
Tags
- moth
- parasitoid
- Polistes
- Crambidae
- Lepidoptera