Giant Palm Borer Moth
Common NameGiant Palm Borer Moth
Scientific NameEupalamides cyparissias
FamilyCastniidae
SubfamilyCastniinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, palm plantations
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (e.g., Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Peru)
Host PlantsCocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis, various other Arecaceae palms
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large borers that feed internally on the stems and trunks of various palm species, often causing significant damage to agricultural crops. Pupation occurs within the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, diurnal flight, clubbed antennae (resembling a butterfly), and the striking dark brown wings with broad white diagonal bands on the forewings.
Description
A large, robust moth with dark brown wings featuring prominent, broad, diagonal white bands on the forewings and a series of white spots along the termen of the hindwings.
