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 bella
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 bella
Description
Aetole bella is a small to medium-sized moth in the family Tortricidae. The forewings are typically pale cream to yellowish with contrasting reddish-brown to dark brown markings, giving the species a mottled, ornate appearance. The wings are held roof-like over the body when at rest, and the wingspan is generally around 15–20 mm.
Range
Aetole bella occurs in Mexico and parts of Central America, including the Pacific lowlands of Mexico. It occurs in the Zihuatanejo area of Guerrero, Mexico.
Habitat
This moth inhabits warm forest, woodland, scrub, and disturbed vegetation, particularly areas with suitable shrubs and broad-leaved plants. Adults are nocturnal and may be encountered resting on vegetation or attracted to artificial lights.
Diet
The larvae are plant-feeding caterpillars that consume leaves and other soft plant tissues of suitable host plants. Like many tortricids, the caterpillar may fold or roll a leaf with silk to create a sheltered feeding site. Adult moths may feed on nectar and other plant liquids.