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Moths of Zihuatanejo

ORDER LEPIDOPTERA

Bougainvillea Caterpillar Moth

Asciodes gordialis

The Bougainvillea caterpillar moth (Asciodes gordialis) is a small, slender moth in the family Crambidae, best known because its larvae are common pests of bougainvillea plants. Adults are tan to light brown with narrow wings held flat or slightly tented at rest, often marked with faint darker lines and spots that give them a subtly patterned appearance. Though the moth itself is inconspicuous and mostly active at night, the caterpillars are easily noticed as they feed on bougainvillea leaves, rolling or webbing foliage and sometimes causing significant defoliation.

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