Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
488
Family
CASTNIIDAE
A small family of medium-sized to very large day-
flying moths with dull-coloured fore wings, brightly
coloured hind wings and clubbed antennae. Larvae feed
within the roots, crowns or stems of host plants.
Paysandisia archon
(Burmeister)
Palm borer moth
A South American pest of palm trees, which (probably
following the importation of infested palm trees from
Argentina) has recently become established in southern
Europe (France, Italy and Spain).
488
Male leopard moth (
Zeuzera pyrina
).
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
90-110 mm wingspan; fore wings olive-brown;
hind wings orange-red, with black and white markings.
Larva:
up to 70 mm long; robust, brownish white and
glossy.
489
LIFE HISTORY
Day-flying adults of this attractive moth occur from
June to September. Eggs are laid on the stems of palm
trees, close to the growing points. Following egg hatch,
larvae attack the young leaves. Later, they tunnel within
the crowns and stems, expelling large quantities of
sawdust-like debris. Larvae probably take up to two
years to complete their development, each pupating in a
tough cocoon formed within the feeding gallery.
489
Larva of leopard moth (
Zeuzera pyrina
).
DAMAGE
Attacked leaves are partly shredded and stems
hollowed, retarding growth and resulting in the
distortion or death of crowns. As with red palm weevil
(
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
) (see p. 166), steps are
underway to prevent further spread of South American
palm borer within Europe.
490
490
Pupa of leopard moth (
Zeuzera pyrina
).
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