Family Epipyropidae - Planthopper Parasites

EPIPYROPIDAE Dyar, 1903 (1)

Only one species in this family (Fulgoraecia exigua) is present in our region (2).

There are 32 species worldwide, most of them in the Indian subregion and Australia

Wingspan 4-15 mm

Short and bipectinate antennae in both sexes.

Larva, first instar slender, with a large head and it tapers posteriorly, very different from later instars. Later instars, very small head that can be retracted into the prothorax.

Eastern US

Larvae are parasitoids of Fulgoroid planthoppers.

Larvae also parasitize leafhoppers and cicadas.(3)

The female scatters her several thousand eggs in planthopper habitat. The very active larvae either wait for a host to pass by or they track them down. Once attached they become sessile.(3)

Each caterpillar latches on to the side or back of the host with silk lines, sharp claws, and sharp jaws. The caterpillar hangs on for 4-6 weeks, sucking on the blood oozing from the punctures in the host cuticle. Once mature, it releases the host and spins a cocoon on the closest branch.(3)

They are the only caterpillar parasitoids of other insects.(3)

The Moths of Borneo

Moths of Australia, page 303