- Atheloca
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Atheloca Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Family: Pyralidae Genus: Atheloca
Heinrich, 1956[1]Species: A. subrufella Binomial name Atheloca subrufella
Hulst, 1887[2]Synonyms - Nephopteryx subrufella Hulst, 1887
- Nephopteryx filiolella Hulst, 1888
- Hyalospila ptychis Dyar, 1919
Atheloca is a genus of snout moths. It was described by Heinrich, in 1956, and contains the species A. subrufella[1], which is commonly known as the Palm Bud Moth or Coconut Moth. It is found in Georgia, Florida[3], northern Mexico, Cuba, the Virgin Islands and Brazil.
The wingspan is 14-18 mm. Adults are brownish.
The larvae feed on various species in the Arecaceae family, including Cocos, Attalea, Syagrus, Sabal and Serenoa species. They are one of the most important coconut pests. Young larvae feed on the carpels of still-tender flowers or, if the flower has already been fertilized, they penetrate the developing coconut through the lower part of the bracts. In young coconuts, the larvae feed on the mesocarp, opening a series of galleries and causing premature shedding of fruits.[4]
References
- ^ a b "World Pyraloidea Database". Globiz.pyraloidea.org. http://globiz.pyraloidea.org/Pages/Reports/TaxonReport.aspx. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
- ^ "mothphotographersgroup". Mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu. http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=5734. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
- ^ Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck on 7 June, 2007 - 4:58pm (2007-06-07). "Bug Guide". Bug Guide. http://bugguide.net/node/view/116406. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
- ^ "Biology and Mating Behavior of the Coconut Moth Atheloca subrufella (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae)" (PDF). http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/fe89p199.pdf. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
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