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    8286 – Pseudocharis minima,

    Lesser Wasp Moth 

     Flip Through 

    Species Pages

    All photographs are copywrited property. Please contact us for permission to use.

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    Freshly emerged adult

    Freshly emerged adult

    Final instar larva

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    Eggs

    General Species Information

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    Host Plant: Quailberry, Crossopetalum

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    Historical Range:  Southernmost  Florida, Texas and the Caribbean

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    Our Experience with this Species: This species showed up one time in Key Largo in a light trap but is a common regular in Big Pine Key and No Name Key throughout all months of the year. The slash pines of the southern Florida Mainland contain this species in abundance as it flies diurnally but also regularly shows up at lights. Its small size and inconspicuous flight make it very difficult to find on the wing. 

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    Notes:  The wasp mimicry of this species is remarkable. When observing it flying in nature it is very difficult, even for a seasoned lepidopterists, to differentiate it from a wasp. 

    Distribution Chart

    K. Largo   Marath. Ba. Hond     B.P.K.   No Name  Sck. Isd.    K. West
    Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed on that island

    Adult Flight Chart

      Jan.       Feb.     Mar.     Apr.    May     Jun.      Jul.       Aug.     Sep.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
    Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed in that month

    References

    Species Page at: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu

    Species Page at: http://bugguide.net