Parapoynx allionealis

Parapoynx allionealis, the watermilfoil leafcutter moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1859.[1] It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Quebec, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.[2]

Parapoynx allionealis
Parapoynx allionealis Walker, 1859, to MV light, Kissimmee, Florida, 30 April/1 May 2015
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Crambidae
Genus:	Parapoynx
Species:	P. allionealis
Binomial name
Parapoynx allionealis (Walker, 1859)
Synonyms
Paraponyx allionealis Walker, 1859 Parapoynx aptalis Lederer, 1863 Hydrocampa allionealis itealis Walker, 1859 Paraponyx plenilinealis Grote, 1881 Parapoynx cretacealis Lederer, 1863

Adults have been recorded on wing year round in the southern part of the range.

The larvae feed on various aquatic plants, including Nymphaea odorata, Potamogeton natans, Potamogeton pusillus, Myriophyllum spicatum, Myriophyllum heterophyllum, Hydrochtoa caroliniensis, Eleocharis vivipara, Utricularia inflata and Salvinia rotundifolia. They live in a portable case made of plant material.[3]

References

1. Nuss, M.; et al. (2003–2014). "GlobIZ search". Global Information System on Pyraloidea. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
2. Moth Photographers Group. Mississippi State University.
3. BugGuide