More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Moths of Zihuatanejo
ORDER LEPIDOPTERA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)
-Ermine Moths and Allies (Superfamily Yponomeutoidea)
-Sun Moths (Family Heliodinidae)
-Genus Aetole
-Aetole fulgida
The genus Aetole belongs to the family Heliodinidae, commonly known as sun moths. Sun moths are often brightly colored and are known for their attractive, iridescent wings and active, daytime behavior. Unlike many other moths that are nocturnal, Aetole sun moths are primarily diurnal (active during the day). They are most active in the morning or early afternoon when they feed on nectar and are visible in flight.
Aetole fulgida
Description
Aetole fulgida is a small moth in the family Tortricidae. The adults have compact bodies and patterned forewings, with contrasting pale and darker markings that provide camouflage among foliage and bark. As with other tortricid moths, the larvae are caterpillars adapted for feeding within folded or silk-bound plant tissue.
Range
Aetole fulgida occurs in Mexico and Central America, including the Pacific lowlands of Mexico. It occurs in the Zihuatanejo area of Guerrero, Mexico.
Habitat
This species inhabits tropical and seasonally dry forest, woodland, scrub, and disturbed vegetation where suitable host plants occur. Adults are nocturnal and may be encountered resting on vegetation or attracted to artificial lights.
Diet
The larvae are herbivorous, feeding on leaves and other soft plant tissues of their host plants and often sheltering within leaves bound together with silk. Adult moths may feed on nectar and other plant liquids.