# Planthopper Parasite Moth (*Fulgoraecia exigua*) The Planthopper Parasite Moth is a tiny insect that loves to hop around plants. Its special wings look like leaves, helping it hide from predators. This little moth is a fun friend in the garden! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Planthopper Parasite Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Planthopper_-_Thionia_elliptica_or_bullata_with_Planthopper_Parasite_Moth_-_Fulgoraecia_exigua%252C_Julie_Metz_Wetlands%252C_Woodbridge%252C_Virginia.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Planthopper_-_Thionia_elliptica_or_bullata_with_Planthopper_Parasite_Moth_-_Fulgoraecia_exigua%252C_Julie_Metz_Wetlands%252C_Woodbridge%252C_Virginia.jpg) ## Appearance The Planthopper Parasite Moth is a tiny insect, usually dark brown or gray, with a fuzzy body and delicate, fringed wings. It's often mistaken for a speck of dust due to its minute size, which makes it blend into its surroundings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Epipyropidae - **Genus:** Fulgoraecia ## Interesting facts - Adult parasite moths don't eat at all; their only job is to lay eggs! - Baby parasite moths grow inside other bugs, eating them from the inside out! - Female moths lay their eggs on other insects while flying by! - These moths are super tiny, barely bigger than a pencil tip! ## Special abilities - **Tiny Predator Power:** Planthopper Parasite Moth larvae can burrow into other insects because of their specialized mouthparts that help them feed. - **Stealthy Egg Layer:** Planthopper Parasite Moth can lay its tiny eggs directly onto planthoppers, helping its babies find their first meal. - **Ghostly Disguise:** Planthopper Parasite Moth has drab, earthy colors that help them disappear against bark or leaves. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 5-8 mm - **Size:** 2-3 mm - **Lifespan:** 2-7 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Larvae eat other insects from the inside; adult moths do not feed. - **Age differences:** Adult moths do not feed, focusing only on reproduction. Larvae are internal parasites of planthoppers. - **Primary Foods:** planthopper eggs, planthopper nymphs, adult planthoppers ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** Saltmarsh Planthopper (*Prokelisia marginata*) — Its larvae develop inside this planthopper. - **Depends on:** Smooth Cordgrass (*Spartina alterniflora*) — This plant provides habitat for its planthopper hosts. - **Eaten by:** [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — Adult moths can become prey for spiders. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Look but don't touch! Some insects can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Planthopper Parasite Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Planthopper Parasite Moth's wingspan? 5-8 mm ### How big is Planthopper Parasite Moth? 2-3 mm ### How long does Planthopper Parasite Moth live? 2-7 days ### What does Planthopper Parasite Moth eat? Larvae eat other insects from the inside; adult moths do not feed. ### Where is Planthopper Parasite Moth usually found? Forests ### How many legs does Planthopper Parasite Moth have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Six Mile Run](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/six-mile-run) — New Jersey, US · Neighborhood - [Heritage Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/heritage-park) — Michigan, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Planthopper Parasite Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/planthopper-parasite-moth)