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Moths of Zihuatanejo

ORDER LEPIDOPTERA

Pickleworm Moth

Diaphania nitidalis

The Pickleworm Moth (Diaphania nitidalis) is a nocturnal insect with a wingspan of about 3 cm (1.2 inches). Its wings are predominantly dark brown with a large, central, semi-transparent yellow patch. It is known for its role as an agricultural pest of cucurbit crops such as cucumbers, squash, and melons. The larvae are the damaging "pickleworms" that bore into the fruit, causing significant agricultural losses.

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