Moth cat to ID

[Painted Jezebel]

I think this pretty little cat is a Eudocima sp. However, which one?

[atronox]

Is this related to the fruit piercer moth?

[Painted Jezebel]

If I'm right about the Genus, then yes, it is a fruit piercer.

[hkmoths]

Is this related to the fruit piercer moth?

Hi Aaron, there are many species of fruit-piercing moth, mostly in Noctuidae.

cheers, Roger.

[hkmoths]

I think this pretty little cat is a Eudocima sp. However, which one?

Not 100% sure, but probably Eudocima phalonia (=Othreis fullonia); maybe a third instar ??

cheers,

Roger.

[Painted Jezebel]

Thanks Roger. I am slightly disappointed, as I already have a pic, shown here a few months ago of the final instar. It looked different, with additional markings, hence the question. You also answered another question I had, with the synonym.

[Sky Blue]

Just wondering how is the mouth part of this fruit-piercing moth looks like, I used to catch them at night with touch light when I'm young during manggo season, (they attack my manggo plant / fruit), you know the young manggo fruit as hard as stone...

[atronox]

Just wondering how is the mouth part of this fruit-piercing moth looks like, I used to catch them at night with touch light when I'm young during manggo season, (they attack my manggo plant / fruit), you know the young manggo fruit as hard as stone...

They actually pierce unripe mangoes? That's incredible! They must haf strong mouthparts or a sharp appendage.

[hkmoths]

Just wondering how is the mouth part of this fruit-piercing moth looks like, I used to catch them at night with touch light when I'm young during manggo season, (they attack my manggo plant / fruit), you know the young manggo fruit as hard as stone...

the haustellum (proboscis / tongue) is barbed in many of the fruit piercing species and is used like a saw to break through tough skin.

cheers, Roger.

[hkmoths]

Thanks Roger. I am slightly disappointed, as I already have a pic, shown here a few months ago of the final instar. It looked different, with additional markings, hence the question. You also answered another question I had, with the synonym.

there are three or four known colour forms in the larval stages of this species and several congeners. One should really rear through to the adult for confirmation.

cheers,

Roger.