First report of Batrachedra enormis in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Batrachedra enormis (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae) on its territory. In August 2016, the insect was found on 4 Yucca sp. plants in a private garden located in Var department (Southern France). Only limited damage was observed on infested plants. The identity of the insect was confirmed by morphological and molecular methods. The infested plants were destroyed and a survey will be conducted in the vicinity of the garden concerned.
The pest status of Batrachedra enormis in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
EPPO note: very limited information is available on B. enormis. This North American species is reported to occur in Mexico and Southern USA (Alabama, Arizona, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, South Carolina). Pictures of the pest and damage caused by its larvae to yucca plants in Southern France have been posted on Facebook.
Sources
NPPO of France (2016-10).
INTERNET
- BugGuide Net. Batrachedra enormis - Large Batrachedra moth http://bugguide.net/node/view/367289
- Mississippi State University. Mississippi Entomological Museum. North American Moth Photographers Group. http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=1413