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LEPIDOPTERA, Chrysaugidae -- <Images> & <Juveniles>

Description

Sthenauge parasiticus Jor. is predaceous or perhaps definitely parasitic, on caterpillars of Automeris and Dirphia in Brazil. Eggs are thought to be laid directly on the host. The larva spins a web of silk transversely across the dorsum of a segment from spiracle to spiracle, forming a tunnel open at both ends. Feeding occurs on the body spines that border the tunnel, causing the host to sicken and die. Individuals have been found to feed on dead caterpillars, even boring into their bodies (Jordan 1926).

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References: Please refer to <biology.ref.htm>, [Additional references may be found at: MELVYL Library]