Photo by: Arun Kumar, 23-Oct-2024
The Castor Semi-looper (Achaea janata) is a moth species commonly found in the Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve, located near Haridwar. This vibrant reserve, known for its rich biodiversity, provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the Castor Semi-looper. The caterpillar of this species primarily feeds on castor plants and other host plants found in the area. Jhilmil Jheel’s wetlands and surrounding vegetation support the life cycle of the Castor Semi-looper, contributing to the region’s ecological balance. This species plays a role in maintaining the biodiversity of the reserve, adding to its significance as a conservation hotspot.
DESCRIPTION
The Castor Semi-looper moth has a wingspan of about 60 to 70 mm. Its body is pale reddish-brown, and the front wings have noticeable markings. There are several wavy lines on the wings, and the area near these lines is sometimes black. A small spot is present near the center of the wing. There is also a reddish band beyond the wavy lines. The back wings are black with a white band in the middle, and three large white spots can be seen on the edge, along with some whitish fringe. The underside of the wings is grey with white bands.
The moth lays small, round, greenish eggs. When it becomes a pupa, it turns whitish green.
The caterpillar (larva) is bluish-grey with blue-black spots and has a black-striped head. There are yellowish bands on its sides, with a bluish-grey line between them. A black stripe runs along its back, bordered by reddish-white spots between its fourth and fifth body segments. The caterpillar has red spiracles (breathing holes) and red legs. It also has two red bumps on its last body segment. The caterpillar goes through four stages before turning into a pupa.