About Langsdorfia franckii Hübner, 1824
Langsdorfia franckii is a moth species that belongs to the Cossidae family. It is naturally found in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. This species was studied for potential introduction to Hawaii as a biological control agent for Lantana, though no releases of the moth have ever been carried out there. The larvae of Langsdorfia franckii feed on the stems and roots of Lantana species, including Lantana scorta. Mature larvae are approximately 50 millimeters long, red in color, and give off a strong, long-lasting odor if injured.
