Michaelophorus nubilus

Description

Michaelophorus nubilus, the cacao plume moth, is a species of moth in the genus Michaelophorus known from Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Trinidad. Moths of this species take flight in January, February, and July and have a wingspan of approximately 12–15 millimetres (0.47–0.59 in). The larvae feed on the new flush leaves of Theobroma cacao. The larvae move quite rapidly when disturbed and will readily drop off the edge of a leaf on a silk line. Pupae can be found on mature leaves, petioles and small branches, but usually adjacent to new leaves. They are found on both the upper and undersurface of leaves and are anchored to a silk pad. Several pupae may be found on a single leaf.