Argina astrea, commonly known as the Crotalaria Pod Borer, is a striking moth from the family Erebidae. It is known for its vivid and colorful wing patterns, predominantly featuring bright yellow and black stripes which serve as warning colors to potential predators about its toxic nature.
Crotalaria Pod Borer
Argina astrea
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Insecta
ORDER
:
Lepidoptera
FAMILY
:
Erebidae
GENUS
:
Argina
SPECIES
:
Argina astrea
Other Information
Venomous?
The Crotalaria Pod Borer accumulates toxins from its host plants during its larval stage, primarily from Crotalaria species, which are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These toxins make the larvae and adults distasteful to predators.
A Danger to Humans?
While toxic to predators, Argina astrea poses no direct threat to humans. There is no risk from touching or handling these moths, but ingesting them would be unwise.
Population Status
Detailed population size data for Argina astrea is not widely available, but they are not considered endangered or vulnerable.
Crotalaria Pod Borer (Argina astrea), photo by David Lowenthal
Life Span:
The life span of this moth from egg to adult is relatively short, typically only a few months. Adults live just long enough to reproduce, usually a few weeks.
Weight and Length:
As a medium-sized moth, each individual weighs only a small fraction of a gram. The wingspan of Argina astrea typically ranges from 30 to 40 mm.
Distribution:
This species is widely distributed across Africa and Asia, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions where its host plants, the Crotalaria, are found.
Habits and Lifestyle:
Argina astrea is primarily nocturnal but is also occasionally active during the day. The moth prefers sunny habitats where its host plants grow abundantly.
Diet and Nutrition:
Larvae feed exclusively on the leaves and seeds of Crotalaria plants, which contain the toxins they sequester for defense. Adults do not feed and rely on the energy stored during their larval phase.
Mating Habits:
Mating in Argina astrea involves the male attracting the female through pheromones. After mating, females lay their eggs on Crotalaria plants, ensuring that the emerging larvae will have immediate access to food. The cycle of feeding, pupating, and emerging as adults continues the species’ reliance on these specific host plants.