China Mark Moth – Nymphuiella daeckalis

China Mark Moth   Scientific Name:  Diathrausta daeckealis Common Name:  China mark moth Appearance:  China mark moth is a greyish-black moth with a white stripe running down the back. It has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm. It also has some grey fringes on the margin of the hind wings. It features a pair of antennae and three pairs of legs which helps them in locomotion. Host Plants or Food: China mark moth is a herbivorous insect and basically feeds on all aquatic plants, especially on the leaves of water lily and water hyacinth. Territory: Throughout North America, Western USA, Eastern USA Mode of Damage:  The larva is a leaf chewer and feeds on the foliage as their diet. Habits and Life History: China mark moth is found in freshwater ponds, rivers, and lakes with abundant aquatic plants.  The female lays eggs on the unde4rside of the leaves, which gives rise to the larva. The larva first feeds on the leaves by cutting small holes before moving to the next stage. Unlike most other species which overwinter in eggs or pupal stage, this one overwinters as a larva. After hatching from the eggs, the larva goes underwater and attaches to the stems of the host plant near the base. The larva uses two leaf pieces to build itself a protective case which allows it to move from one plant to another. There may be three generations of china mark moth each year.