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Identifying characteristics-
The adults are small (wing span 10 mm), light-brown nocturnal moths.
Their hinds wing are fringed. The adult moth does not feed on the
plants; it is only the larval/ caterpillar stage. The larva is
small, reaching a length of only 32mm. Its head consists of a
distinct burgundy-color capsule. The body is translucent cream color
with many small hairs on it.
Biology-
The adult moths are most active in early
morning hours, so they are not usually visible in the nursery.
Females lay their eggs in selected plants, where they hatch in 5-6 days.
The larvae begin to feed on damaged plant tissue, then switch to feeding
on healthy tissues. The larvae feed for 21-26 days, and are then
able to pupate. Pupation requires about 2 weeks before adult form is
completely developed. Once developed the adult emerges ready to reproduce.
The adult form lives for approximately 5-7 days.
Plant injury symptoms-
Depending
upon the host plant, many symptoms can appear. The tips of leaves turn
brown and or plants falling out of pots due to the fact there is no root
system left to support the plant. Bore-holes in trunks with frass
deposits are yet another key sign that this species is present.
Host
Plants-
Palms, bromeliad, dracaena sp., strelitzia sp.,
and others. |
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