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 calcifer
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 calcifer
Description
Aetole calcifer is a small moth in the family Tortricidae. Its forewings are patterned in contrasting pale and dark tones, with irregular bands and spots that provide camouflage when resting on bark or vegetation. Like other tortricids, it has a compact body, scaled wings, and larvae adapted for feeding within folded or rolled plant tissue.
Range
Aetole calcifer 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. Adults are nocturnal and may rest among foliage during the day or be attracted to artificial lights at night.
Diet
The larvae are herbivorous and feed on the leaves and soft tissues of their host plants, often sheltering within leaves or among plant parts bound together with silk. Adult moths may consume nectar and other plant liquids.