Erechthias kerri

Erechthias kerri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Tineidae
Genus: Erechthias
Species: E. kerri
Binomial name
Erechthias kerri
(Swezey, 1926)
Synonyms
  • Ereunetis kerri Swezey, 1926
  • Decadarchis kerri
  • Ereunetis incerta Swezey, 1926

Erechthias kerri is a moth of the Tineidae family. It is found in the Pacific region, including the French Frigate Shoals, Lisianski, Laysan, the Pearl and Hermes Reef, Johnston Island and Hawaii.

Color variations

There is much variation in the color pattern of the forewings. The forewings vary from nearly immaculate pale straw-colored through variable maculations with dark brown scales to individuals that have extensive dark scaling. Unlike the wings of most of the species of Erechthias, the tips of the forewings are not upturned. If the wing tips are viewed when the wings are spread, the tips appear to be somewhat turned downward.

Development stages

The larvae feed on dead plant material of bunch grass, Eragrostis and Nicotiana species. The cocoon is composed of white silk with closely packed white coral reef sand, plant fragments, dried insect feces, and other debris. The cocoons give the appearance of being larval cases.

External links

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