Category Archives: Species
Box tree moth
Author of the photographs: Cayetano Herrera
Scientific name: Cydalima perspectalis
Redness: 40-45 mm
Origin: Eastern Asia, Japan, China, Korea
Name (ES): Polilla del boj
Description:
Present in the Balearic Islands since 2018
As its name suggests, the boxwood caterpillar feeds on the boxwood, specifically its leaves. Partial or total defoliation of the hosts may represent a danger for plant survival. The Balearic Islands are home to two species of this plant: Buxus sempervirens and B. balearica, both endemic species to the Balearic Islands and classified for special protection.
Author of the Images: Cayetano Herrera
You can download this informative poster
Palm moth
Scientific name: Paysandisia archon
Redness: 80-110 mm
Origin: Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay
Name (ES): Oruga perforadora de las palmeras
Description:
The larva feeds on the internal tissue of palm trees. Signs of infestation include the presence of holes/galleries in the trunk and at the base of palm leaves. Its main host is the Mediterranean dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), the only palm tree native to the Balearic Islands.
You can download this informative poster
Siberian silk moth
Scientific name: Dendrolimus sibiricus
Redness: 40-80 mm
Origin: Russia and restricted areas in north Kazajistan, Mongolia, China and Korea
Name (ES): Polilla de la seda siberiana
Description:
A major defoliator of conifer forest masses, the larvae feed on acicles. Conifers include pine, fir and cypress trees. The impact from infestation can lead to death or extreme weakening in hosts.
You can download this informative poster
Fall armyworm
Scientific name: Spodoptera frugiperda
Redness: 32-40 mm
Origin: Tropical and subtropical regions of America
Name (ES): Cogollero del maíz
Description:
A polyphagous pest with a high invasive potential, it migrates to temperate regions of North and South America during the summer. Its favourite hosts include corn and rice, as well as Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Rutaceae etc. It causes lower performance due to the impact of larvae feeding on leaves, reducing photosynthetic capacity. It can also cut the stems of young plants.