Eumelea ludovicata


Eumelea ludovicata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It is found in Indo-Australian tropics of India, Sri Lanka, east to Singapore, Taiwan, the Solomon Islands and Guam.

Biology

The adult has a fluttering, erratic flight. The male is more reddish, whereas female is yellowish.
The caterpillar has a cylindrical yellowish-white body with many longitudinal lines. Setae minute and spiracles greenish. Its round-shaped head is yellowish white with rusty markings. Hairs are present, which are short, erect and thick. Host plant is always Macaranga species. Pupa elongate with semi-elliptical, flattened cremaster. Pupal case for the proboscis and antennae extends free. Caterpillar resting straight at 60 degrees to the leaf surface, which is often confused as a twig. Pupation occurs between two leaves fastened together coated inside with silk.

Subspecies

Eight subspecies have been recognized.
  • Eumelea ludovicata biclarata Prout, 1931
  • Eumelea ludovicata cupreata Warren, 1897
  • Eumelea ludovicata enantia Prout, 1921
  • Eumelea ludovicata fulvida Prout, 1921
  • Eumelea ludovicata referta Prout, 1931
  • Eumelea ludovicata rhodeogyna Prout, 1925
  • Eumelea ludovicata rubra Prout, 1921
  • Eumelea ludovicata salomonis Prout, 1921