Parotis marginata (Hampson, 1893)
(previously known as : Cenocnemis marginata)
 SPILOMELINI   ,     PYRAUSTINAE   ,     CRAMBIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

Parotis marginata
(Photo: courtesy of PC, Brisbane)

These caterpillars are pale green with several raised black lumps on each segment, and a pale brown head. They live in a shelter created from curled or joined leaves held with silk.

Parotis marginata
(Photo: courtesy of PC, Brisbane)

The caterpillars are a pest on:

  • Milkwood Pine ( Alstonia scholaris, APOCYNACEAE ), and
  • Gardenia ( Gardenia jasminoides, RUBIACEAE ).

    The young caterpillars eat the flesh of the leaves leaving a skeleton of veins. Older caterpillars have been found feeding on the bark.

    Parotis marginata
    exposed pupa
    (Photo: courtesy of PC, Brisbane)

    The caterpillars pupate in their shelter. Pupation lasts only 10 days in summer.

    Parotis marginata
    (Photo: courtesy of Nick Monaghan, Tewantin, Queensland)

    The adults are a deep green colour, with a crenulated brown line around the edges of each wing. They have a wing span of about 3 cms.

    Parotis marginata
    Photo: courtesy of PC, Brisbane)

    The species is found across south-east Asia, including

  • Bangladesh,
  • China,
  • Fiji,
  • Japan,
    as well as Australia, where it occurs in
  • Northern Territory,
  • Queensland, and
  • New South Wales.

    Parotis marginata
    Papua New Guinea, 1994

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    (updated 15 September 2011)