Crossophora

The plant genus Crossophora is a synonym of Chrozophora. The grass moth genus Crossophora, invalidly described by H.B. Möschler in 1890, refers to Microthyris.

Crossophora
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Oecophoridae
Subfamily:	Oecophorinae
Genus:	Crossophora Meyrick, 1883

Crossophora is a genus of gelechioid moths from eastern Australia. It belongs to the family Oecophoridae, and therein to subfamily Oecophorinae. As regards described species, it is monotypic. But at least one undescribed species is known to exist:

• Crossophora semiota Meyrick, 1886
• Crossophora sp. 'Queensland-Victoria'

Several related species were placed here too; indeed, the type species was only described after the genus had been established. All other supposed Crossophora were subsequently moved to other genera, but C. semiota was considered to be too distinct to be incorporated elsewhere. The genus name is valid because it was published as part of a single-access key, and because the description of C. semiota was accompanied by a full description of the genus.

The caterpillars of these moths feed on dead leaves of Eucalyptus, which they spin together with silk.

References

• Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) (2008): Australian Faunal Directory – Genus Crossophora. Version of 2008-OCT-09. Retrieved 2010-APR-27.