Koa Seedworm

Natural history and identification

Cryptophlebia illepida is a fruit- and seed-boring moth. Females place eggs on host fruit, and the caterpillars develop within plant material. Mature larvae become pinkish or reddish and lack an anal fork. The USDA identification account emphasizes separating this species from C. ombrodelta; a generic brown moth photograph or damaged fruit alone is not a secure identification.

Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence

Atlas occurrence category: Present. The Kauaʻi record is classified as “Present”. Its cited evidence source is iNaturalist Kauaʻi checklist.

Account coverage

Published species details have been added. A complete Kauaʻi-specific account of identification, habitat, feeding, reproduction, and population trend is not yet established by the sources linked here.

Names and classification

Scientific name

Cryptophlebia illepida

Common names

Koa Seedworm

Family

Tortricidae

Order

Lepidoptera

Record type

species

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Present

Origin

Endemic

Conservation status

Not assessed

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal description

Koa Seedworm (Cryptophlebia illepida) belongs to Tortricidae in the order Lepidoptera. Its recorded origin status is endemic.

Sources and further reading

• iNaturalist Kauaʻi checklist
• Natural history and identification — species source