Acentria ephemerella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) Species
Last modified: Oct. 25, 2023, 5:52 p.m.
A rather common species throughout Belgium, sometimes in great numbers.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Crambidae > Subfamily: Acentropinae > Genus: Acentria > Species: Acentria ephemerella
- Vernacular names
- Duikermot (NL), Kleiner Wasserzünsler (DE)
- Synonyms
- Acentria nivea (Olivier G.-A., 1791)
- First mention in Belgium
- Fologne E. 1859b. Supplément au catalogue des lépidoptères de Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 3: 133–142. On page 134 (as Acentropus niveus). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Cocoon/pupa
Bionomics
The larva feeds sumerged between loosely spun leaves of several water plants. It hibernates. Pupation takes place in a cocoon attached to a water-plant below the surface of the water. The pupa does not protrude the cocoon.
The adults live on the average only two days. They rest at the base of water-plants or on floating material during the day. Males and winged females come to light. Wingless females stay below the surface of the water.
Adults come to light.
Flight periods
One long generation a year from the end of May till mid-September, most abundant in July.
Observed on
- Host plant (genera):
- Elodea, Potamogeton, Chara and Ceratophyllum
Oligophagous on several species of water-plants.
