Oxicesta geographica
| Oxicesta geographica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Noctuidae |
| Genus: | Oxicesta |
| Species: | O. geographica |
| Binomial name | |
| Oxicesta geographica (Fabricius, 1787)[1] | |
| Synonyms | |
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Oxicesta geographica is a moth of the Noctuidae family. It is found in southern Romania, Austria, Hungary, from the former Yugoslavia to northern Greece and Turkey. It has also been reported from Russian Moldavia and Georgia.[2]
The larvae feed on Euphorbia species, with a preference for species in the Esula subgenus. They feed in silken webs on the apices of their host plant, causing extensive damage. First instars larvae feed on flower buds and tender leaves in groups of 20-30. Fifth and final instar larvae are solitary feeders and consume less than the other instars. Pupation takes place in a light yellow silk cocoon spun on the stem of the host plant.
Gallery
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Larva
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Spinning