Craniophora ligustri, Schiffermuller, 1776

Dolinskaya, I. V., 2014, Egg Morphology Of Some Noctuidae (Lepidoptera), Vestnik Zoologii 48 (4), pp. 353-364 : 357

Craniophora ligustri ([Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775)

D e s c r i p t i o n. Morphologically similar to Acronicta megacephala and A. rumicis ( fig. 12–14). However, in contrast to previous species micropylar area represented by rosette and 2–3 rows cells ( fig. 15). Rosette with 8–9 cells and 4–5 micropylar opening s. There are 25–30 of 66–74 longitudinal ridges radiate from cells of 2–3 rows ( fig. 16).

Shape of gnawed holes in eggs. Caterpillars nibble out either a small oval opening at lateral part of egg ( fig. 13) or nibble out narrow opening an entire egg perimeter; in latter case central cover on thin “stem” is remained only ( fig. 14). If this fragment, all top of chorion falls off.

O v i p o s i t i o n. Eggs solitary laid.