Pests > Pest outbreaks > Insects > Erechthias psammaula, coconut, Cook Is



Pests > Pest outbreaks > Insects > Erechthias psammaula, coconut, Cook Is

Pests Pest outbreaks Insects Erechthias psammaula, coconut, Cook Is

Erechthias [=Decadarchi] psammaula

October 2000. In the South West of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, caterpillars were found feeding on coconut leaves causing serious damage to the palms. The damage caused by the caterpillars is quit distinctive as they attack the lower surface of the leaves only. The upper epidermis of the leaves stay intact. Old leaves are preferred and dry up quickly due to the heavy caterpillar attack. The caterpillars are yellowish white, up to 12 mm long and built webs.

The moth is 8 mm in length whitish yellow with a dark brown striped pattern on the wings.

According to Cook Islands records there is only one pest species belonging to the order Lepitoptera known from the Cook Islands attacking coconut leaves, Decardarchis psammaula (Lepidoptera, Tineidae). (Madison, P. 1979. Pests in the Cook Islands. A report based on the work of the UNDP/FAO-SPEC pest and disease survey in the South Pacific. 59 pp.)

It was confirmed as Erechthias [=Decadarchi] psammaula.