Outbreak of defoliator Coconympha iriarcha Meyrick on coconut

Abstract

A sporadic outbreak of the rare lepidopteran insect pest Coconympha iriarcha Meyrick (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) was recorded on the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) (Arecales: Arecaceae). The larvae of these can be differentiated from the larvae of Opisina arenosella, the black headed caterpillar, by its size and colour. The former is with yellowish cream body with a pale brown head and is small (< 4 mm); latter is with a greenish body with red dorsal lines and a black head, and >11 mm long. In this study, reoccurrence of C. iriarcha is documented and it is redescribed with illustrations and damage symptoms.