Calicotis crucifera, the leather-leaf spore-eater, is a moth of the Stathmopodidae family. It is found in New Zealand and Australia.
The mature larva of C. crucifera are approximately 6mm long and are a white colour, plump with a pale brown head.[1] The wings of the adult are grey with dark specks.
The larvae of this species can be observed on the underneath of the fronds of its host species.[1] The larva builds silk tubes disguised with fern spore dust and white frond hair.[1] They feed on the fern spores.[2] Larvae can be seen most months of the year.[1] The adult is on the wing from January to May.[1]
The larvae feed on the spores of the fern, Pyrrosia eleagnifolia.[1]
Calicotis crucifera Calicotis crucifera, the leather-leaf spore-eater, is a moth of the Stathmopodidae family. It is found in New Zealand and Australia.
