Pan-tropical
Guides
Pyralis manihotalis
Tropical Meal Moth
Pyralis manihotalis is a small pyralid moth with a pan-tropical distribution, described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It is frequently associated with stored products and decaying organic matter, earning it the common name Tropical Meal Moth. The species has been documented in an unusually wide range of habitats, including caves where self-sustaining populations feed on bat guano. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light.
Stenopus hispidus
banded coral shrimp, banded cleaner shrimp, coral banded shrimp
Stenopus hispidus is a marine decapod crustacean in the family Stenopodidae, recognized as one of the most widely distributed cleaner shrimps in tropical seas. The species reaches 60 mm in total length and exhibits striking red-and-white banded coloration on the carapace, abdomen, and enlarged third pereiopods. It is exclusively monogamous, with pairs occupying reef territories 1–2 meters in diameter. The species advertises cleaning services to client fish through a distinctive "dancing" behavior involving lateral antennae movement, and removes parasites, fungi, and damaged tissue using its three pairs of claws. Females are typically larger than males and carry externally fertilized eggs until hatching.