The larvae feed on "Rhizophora mangle" species. In Maldives "Rhizophora apiculata" is commonly mistaken by locals with "Rhizophora mangle". Red mangroves ("Rhizophora mangle") are the most common and grow in the ocean. The most saline parts have formations of "Rhizophora mangle", "Rhizophora harrisonii" and "Rhizophora racemosa". Decomposing red mangrove ("Rhizophora mangle") give off a substance which attracts the larvae to settle. Rhizophora mangle, the red mangrove, is distributed in estuarine ecosystems throughout the tropics. It primarily grows on the submerged roots of mangroves ("Rhizophora mangle"). The mangrove vegetation includes Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia shaeuriana and Spartina alterniflora. The main species of mangrove are the "Rhizophora mangle", "Avicennia schaueriana" and "Laguncularia racemosa".