Opisina is a monotypic moth genus in the family Xyloryctidae described by Francis Walker in 1864. Its only species, Opisina arenosella, the coconut black-headed caterpillar, was described by the same author in the same year.[1] It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar.[2]
| Opisina | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Xyloryctidae |
| Subfamily: | Xyloryctinae |
| Genus: | Opisina Walker, 1864 |
| Species: | O. arenosella
|
| Binomial name | |
| Opisina arenosella Walker, 1864
| |
The wingspan is 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in). Adults are grey.
The larvae are gregarious and are serious pests of coconut trees. They defoliate their host plant.[3]
References edit
- ^ "Opisina". Insecta.pro.
- ^ Savela, Markku. "Opisina Walker, 1864". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
- ^ "Biological Control of the Coconut Caterpillar Opisina arenosella (Lepidoptera: Xylorictidae): Achievements and Prospects"