Fulgoraecia exigua

(H. Edwards, 1882)

Planthopper Parasite Moth

Fulgoraecia exigua is a small in the Epipyropidae, commonly known as the planthopper moth. The is an obligate of planthoppers in the family Issidae, with larvae attaching to and feeding on their . are non-feeding with mouthparts and short adult lifespans. First described by H. Edwards in 1882, it has been recorded across much of the eastern and central United States, with a first Canadian record documented from southern Ontario in 2021.

Fulgoraecia exigua by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Planthopper Parasite Caterpillar (38907826465) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Fulgoraecia exigua - Female by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Fulgoraecia exigua: //fʊl.ɡɔːˈreɪ.si.ə ɛkˈsɪɡ.wə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Larvae are ectoparasitic on planthoppers and may be encountered attached to insects rather than free-living. are small with reduced, non-functional mouthparts. Specific diagnostic features for distinguishing F. exigua from other Epipyropidae are not detailed in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Tallgrass prairie ; associated with planthopper . First Canadian specimens collected in the Ojibway Prairie area of southern Ontario.

Distribution

North America: United States (New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to central Florida, west to Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona); Canada (first recorded in southern Ontario, Windsor area in 2021).

Diet

Larvae feed as on planthoppers ( Issidae). do not feed; they possess mouthparts.

Host Associations

Issidae - of planthoppers parasitized by larvae

Life Cycle

Larvae are ectoparasitic on planthoppers, attaching to and feeding on . occurs after larval development. emerge with mouthparts and do not feed; they reproduce and die shortly after .

Behavior

Larvae exhibit an obligate ectoparasitic lifestyle, remaining attached to planthoppers throughout development. are short-lived and non-feeding.

Ecological Role

of planthoppers in the Issidae; may contribute to regulation of planthopper in prairie and grassland .

Similar Taxa

Other Epipyropidae speciesShare ectoparasitic lifestyle on planthoppers; specific associations and geographic range help distinguish F. exigua

More Details

First Canadian Record

The 2021 record from southern Ontario represents a significant northward range extension for this , which was previously known only from the United States. The specimen was collected in the Ojibway Prairie area near Windsor.