Lilly moths are found in south asia. They have a vibrant pattern on their wings and a fully developed proboscis.
Scientific name:
Polytela gloriosae
Host plant:
Rain Lilly.
Egg stage:
Lilly moth larvae, unsurprisingly, feed on rain lillies. Rain lilies are white or yellow monocots which bloom after rains. The larva eggs are yellow in color and are layed in large numbers, usually in two long rows on the underside of the leaves. The eggs hatch in 4 days.
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| lilly moth eggs |
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| Lilly moth eggs |
Larva stage:
The larvae are yellow in color and have a black head when they hatch. Like most species of moths and butterflies, they eat their eggshell first. Their color changes to red, theirhead turns red too and the patterns in the body show up in a week. In later stages, the larva turn black and develop striking patterns of white and orange spots on their body.
Eggs hatching
Larvae feeding on leaves on the second day after hatching
Red larvae after 1st week
The larvae feed very quickly, munching away leaves in minutes and then spend some time resting to digest food.
Larvae in later stages
Larvae before forming cocoon
Pupal stage:
After feeding for around 10 days the the larvae form pupa in the soil.
Larvae digging into the soil
Lilly moth Pupa
The pupa is very delicate and can get punctured easily in the initial days. It is advisable to let the pupa caterpillar for the pupa and stay in the soil for at least a week until its covering hardens.
Digging the pupa out
After removing the pupae, I made mud compartments for the pupae and placed them in a netted box.
Moth Stage:
The moth hatches in 7-8 days. the beautiful moth is active in the night. It is a visual treat!
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| Lilly Moth |
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| Lilly Moth |
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| Lilly Moth |
Thank you!