Leafflower-moth
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Epicephala
leafflower moths
Epicephala is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, notable for obligate pollination mutualisms with plants in the tribe Phyllantheae (Phyllanthaceae). Many species actively pollinate their host plants while simultaneously acting as seed predators, with larvae developing inside host fruits and consuming a portion of the developing seeds. This specialized relationship has evolved independently at least five times and involves over 500 host plant species. Some species have secondarily lost the pollinating behavior and function solely as seed parasites.